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 about 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then let it cool and rest for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for lots of work operations which run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely common option to traditional charging and since its evolution; a lot of businesses have chosen to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits 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 complete 100% charge used to take around 8 hours. Fast charging could now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Many companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to complete this important job.
Easier Refills
The fast charge batteries would normally need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not need to remove the battery from the forklift to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
There is a thermistor placed next to the center cell on each new fast charge battery which helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and may sometimes stop once the temperatures get to a particular level. This is key so that the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method could result in an undercharged battery. There are several specific fast charge brands of batteries that utilize inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts 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.
These equipment have seen their overall productivity increase greatly ever since the fast charge battery system was created. Before, companies used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they could use one forklift twice as much in a day and save much money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.