Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to 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 roughly 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 alternative has become an extremely common option to traditional charging and since its development; numerous companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
It may take a typical charger to charge a battery from 20% charged to 100% charged in approximately 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and a half! Many companies use scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this important task.
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
There is a thermistor located next to the center cell on each new fast charge battery that helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and could sometimes stop when the temperatures get to a particular level. This is key so that the battery does not overheat. This method could unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands which use extra thick posts, copper inserts and inter-cell connectors in order to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation due to 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 machines has been greatly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. Before, companies used to need more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could save a lot of money and utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.