Consider the Fast Charge Option
Regarding the recharging the forklift battery, there is an old rule of thumb which goes something like this: utilize the battery for a shift of around 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and after that let it rest and cool for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become a very common alternative to conventional charging and ever since its development; many companies have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Advantages of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the standard battery and charger 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 30 minutes! Lots of companies use scheduled break and lunch times to accomplish this vital job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries will usually need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not require removing the battery from the forklift to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located near the center cell so as to monitor temperature. When the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and sometimes even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. This process could unfortunately lead to an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands that use copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and reduce 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.
The overall production of these machines has been significantly enhanced since the invention of the fast charge battery system. In the past, companies used to require more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can save a lot of money and use one lift truck twice as much in a day with by utilizing the fast charging batteries.