Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to recharging the forklift battery, 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 rest and cool for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for many work operations that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging choice has become an extremely common option to traditional charging and since its development; lots of companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits 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 roughly 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Numerous businesses use scheduled break and lunch times to complete this vital task.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries would normally 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 close to the center cell in order to monitor temperature. Once the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this process can result in an undercharged battery. There are some particular fast charge brands of batteries that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts in order to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation because of the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer time period.
These machines have seen their overall productivity increase significantly ever since the fast charge battery system was developed. Before, companies used to require more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; now they could utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.