Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, today announced the availability of the V-HFM³ Series of modular battery chargers for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. The chargers are designed to help facility and maintenance managers reduce energy costs and extend the life of their forklift batteries. The V-HFM³ Series, which is part of Crown Equipment’s full line of V-Force forklift chargers, batteries and accessories, is available first in North America and will roll out globally in the months ahead.

Users gain energy savings through a 97 percent efficiency performance level of the V-HFM³ Series, which is more efficient than similar high-frequency chargers. Ease of use is enhanced through automatic voltage sensing technology that identifies a battery upon connection and intelligently applies the correct charging profile from 24-96 volt without the use of a monitoring device. The V-HFM³ Series models require a smaller footprint and are lighter in weight compared to prior models. The product supports conventional, opportunity, fast and lithium-ion charging approaches depending upon the needs of the facility.

One company using the V-HFM³ Series for opportunity charging is LEDVANCE, which is one of the world’s leading general lighting providers for professional users and end consumers.

Frank Mattingly, operations manager of LEDVANCE’s Midwest distribution center, said, “Our forklift operators are charging their lift truck for short periods of time during breaks and shift changes. The V-HFM³ Series is up to the challenge of delivering reliable power amid the many connection cycles.”

Customers receive their charger preconfigured to their unique specifications including AC input, charge profile, connector size and color, and DC cable length. Management and maintenance are easily accomplished through a web-browser accessible interface allowing facility and maintenance managers to configure, monitor and complete diagnostics from their phone, tablet or desktop computer and without special apps, cables or software.

Additional accessories are available including a wired remote control for facilities storing chargers above batteries or in hard-to-reach locations, tower light kit for viewing charging status from a distance, and a battery monitoring identification device for greater control of battery health and longevity through more advanced reporting capabilities, simplified equalization approaches, and temperature adjustment for variable environments.

Todd Fleck, director of parts and motive power, Crown Equipment Corporation, concluded, “We know that the needs of our customers are changing at more frequent intervals, which requires a flexible systems infrastructure to support a dynamic operation. The V-HFM³ Series provides a battery-charging solution that can be configured to charge virtually any forklift battery and handle inputs from around the world.”