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: utilize the battery for a shift of approximately 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and after that let it cool and rest for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for a lot of work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a really common option to conventional charging and ever since its development; lots of businesses have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It can take a standard charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in approximately 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and a half! Many companies use scheduled break and lunch times to complete this important job.
Easier Refills
Usually, 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 to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located next to the center cell so as to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method can unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge battery brands that utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
The overall production of these equipment has been greatly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to require more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save much money by using the fast charging batteries.