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 many work applications which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a very common option to traditional charging and since its evolution; lots of businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical battery and charger was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take around 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in approximately an hour to an hour and a half! Lots of businesses use scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this important job.
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 to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor placed near the center cell in order to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped so as to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method can lead to an undercharged battery. There are some specific fast charge brands of batteries which use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
The overall production of these machines has been significantly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. Before, businesses 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 forklift twice as much in a day with by using the fast charging batteries.