Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging batteries of forklifts. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then lastly, allow it to cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging option has become a very popular option to traditional charging and ever since its evolution; lots of businesses have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the standard charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take roughly 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in about an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Lots of companies use scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital task.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also 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
There is a thermistor placed close to the center cell on each new fast charge battery which helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and could occasionally stop once the temperatures get to a specific level. This is important so that the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method could lead to an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge brands of batteries that utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as 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 period of time.
These machinery have seen their overall productivity increase greatly ever since the fast charge battery system was developed. In the past, companies used to need more than one machinery when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they could utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day and save much money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.