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 around 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and after that allow it to rest and cool 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 traditional charging and since its evolution; numerous businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages 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 full 100% charge used to take approximately 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and a half! Numerous companies use scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital task.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will usually need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not need to remove the battery from the lift truck in order 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 particular level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. This process can unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge battery brands which utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts in order to increase conductivity and reduce 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 productivity of these machinery has been greatly better since the invention of the fast charge battery system. Before, businesses used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they can use one lift truck twice as much in a day and save much money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.