Do you need a new forklift battery charger?
Choosing the right one can keep your business productive, profitable, and efficient. Choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted time and money as you wait around for a battery to charge.
So, how do you know which charger is right for you?
In the guide below, we’ll look at forklift batteries and common charging patterns to help you determine which forklift charger is best.
The Right Forklift Batteries
Before choosing the right forklift battery charger, you need to choose the right forklift battery. It’s generally best to buy forklift batteries from the same company you bought the forklift from to ensure compatibility.
Besides that, it’s important to consider size, weight, voltage, and Ah capacity.
- Batteries should fit snugly into the battery compartment without moving around when braking or turning
- The battery weight should be between the minimum and maximum written on the capacity plate
- Voltage lets you know how much power a battery has — 80V has more than 12V
- Ah capacity measures runtime — a 1000Ah battery runs longer than a 100Ah one
Common Forklift Charging Solutions
Choosing the right forklift charging solution helps ensure your batteries reach their maximum performance and life span. There are three main kinds.
1. Standard Charging
Standard charging has an 18 – 20% charge rate. It’s typically done overnight, taking between 8-10 hours for a 100% charge. After that, the battery must cool off for another 8 hours.
This charging solution is great for single-shift operations. Multi-shift operations will require changing out batteries.
2. Opportunity Charging
Opportunity charging has a 25% charge rate. The batteries remain in the forklift when charged and take 10 – 30 minutes for an 80% charge. However, once a week, batteries must be equalized by charging to 100%.
This strategy is great for single-shift as well as light-use multi-shift operations.
3. Fast Charging
Fast charging has a 40% charge rate. The batteries can also take remain in the forklift and take 10 – 30 minutes to charge 80%. Once a week, they must be equalized with a 100% charge.
It’s great for heavy-use multi-shift operations.
Choosing The Best Forklift Battery Charger
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to choose the best forklift charger.
The same advice that applies to a forklift battery applies to a forklift battery charger: stick with the same brand. This makes warranty and support issues much easier to deal with.
Alongside that, it’s important to consider your building’s power supply. Is the voltage high enough to properly charge your forklift batteries? Generally speaking, higher voltages lead to better charges and lowered costs.
Some chargers also regulate battery temperature to ensure it stays within a safe range. This extends battery life and overall performance by making sure the battery doesn’t overheat when charging.
Learn More About Forklift Charging Solutions
With an understanding of how forklift batteries work and the three common charging solutions, you can make a better-informed decision about the best forklift battery charger for you. This will keep your operation safe, productive, and profitable.
If you have any further questions about forklift chargers, batteries, rentals, training, and main, contact Superior Industrial Products to see how we can help you.