Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to recharging the forklift battery, there is an old rule of thumb that goes something like this: use the battery for a shift of about 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then allow it to cool and rest for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely common option to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; lots of companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It can take a standard charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in around 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Many businesses use scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this important job.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the lift truck in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed close to the center cell in order to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method could unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge brands of batteries that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
The overall production of these equipment has been greatly enhanced ever since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, businesses used to need more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; now they could save a lot of money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by utilizing the fast charging batteries.