Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging forklift batteries. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then lastly, let it cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely common option to conventional charging and since its evolution; numerous companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average battery and charger was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take about 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Numerous businesses utilize scheduled lunch and break times to complete this vital task.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the forklift to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
There is a thermistor located near the center cell on each new fast charge battery that helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and can sometimes stop once the temperatures get to a particular level. This is key so that the battery does not overheat. This process could unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and decrease 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 productivity of these equipment has been greatly enhanced since the development of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can save much money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.