Consider the Fast Charge Option
Regarding the recharging the battery of a forklift, there is an old rule of thumb that goes something like this: use the battery for a shift of approximately 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and after that allow it to cool and rest for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging option has become a very popular option to conventional charging and ever since its evolution; many companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a complete 100% charge used to take roughly 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and a half! Many businesses utilize scheduled break and lunch times to complete this important task.
Easier Refills
Usually, fast charge batteries also need 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 in order to monitor temperature. Once the temperature gets to a particular level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method can result in an undercharged battery. There are several specific fast charge battery brands which use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts in order to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
These machinery have seen their overall production increase greatly since the fast charge battery system was developed. Before, businesses used to require more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day and save much money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.