Best Power options?

We've come up with a possible solution

Apparently the amperage pull on this thing is tremendous. I finally got some answers from Bil-jax and the "hybrid" setup is not so much for making the unit run much longer (since it's a 40 amp charger on a 200 amp motor) but to provide SOME charging while running 120v accessories like drills, etc.

The tech came up with what might be a solution.

He suggested I have two banks of 4 batteries each ($500 or so) and keep them on separate circuits. I can run the unit on one pack till it goes down, then hit a switch to power the unit off the fully charged pack.

Then I can turn on the generator (about $500) and charge the depleted pack till the second pack runs out.

According to him this should get me up to 12 hrs use and make the batteries last at least twice as long.

So now I'll have to spend about $900 more per year on fuel for the generator and still spend $500 per year on batteries, but won't have to ever leave early because the lift was dead.

I don't know it there's a better option, but that's what I'm going to have to do for now.

Nick, I'll call you later for that info on your battery guy. Thanks,
 
That is good news Tony.

I hope it works out.
 
Can you get another charger instead of generator. If you run 4 hours off each set of batteries you might save by having a second charger so both packs can charge over night. Alternatively, you can wire each set of 4 in a series to get 24v then wire the two sets together parallel which just doubles the capacity. This way you won't need the optional switch. either way you are not fully depleting the batteries unless you decide to squeeze in a few more hours of work. I sold auto parts for 4 years and I know batteries in hotter climate were different from cooler climate, something about the length of the plates or something. I also remember there being some sort of insulation for protecting batteries from the heat or cold. I believe most of the problem with short battery life is related to running them all the way down everyday in your case though. Monitor the temp with a laser thermometer. Batteries either have a reserve capacity or amp hour rating.

Another part of the equation here is charge time. If it takes 8 hours to charge then we are all good either way, but if you have been able to charge in less time like 4 hours, then you would be looking at the jenny or (heart attack!) 3rd set of batteries. Earlier I believe you stated that new batteries were getting you through the day when new. If this is the case you would still have 50% charge at the end of the day which would increase your battery life, assuming they are lead acid type.
 
Currently it takes about 12 hrs for a full charge. That's why the tech suggested not making it a full 8pack set because it would take upwards of 24 hrs to charge and I don't have down time to allow for that, especially on the weekends.

I will be adding a separate charger.
 
That put you back at 12 hours. I would do the 8pack and add charger. 12 hours is good for the batts to charge slow. If you ran down a 4 pack and put on charger with jenny you're just getting that pack charged around midnight. Just wasting gas I think when you could just charge both 4packs at the end of the day. Is there a higher amp charger for an 8-pack? Otherwise you would be using both chargers together on the 8pack. It depends how you configure them.
 
Thats one thing I was thinking 2 banks. If you're going to be charging the batteries while working I wonder if a regular car battery (cheaper) or another kind would work and charge fast instead of a deep cycle that is made to run without charging??
 
outdoorprowash said:
That put you back at 12 hours. I would do the 8pack and add charger. 12 hours is good for the batts to charge slow. If you ran down a 4 pack and put on charger with jenny you're just getting that pack charged around midnight. Just wasting gas I think when you could just charge both 4packs at the end of the day. Is there a higher amp charger for an 8-pack? Otherwise you would be using both chargers together on the 8pack. It depends how you configure them.
Click to expand...

George, it takes upwards of 12 hrs just to charge the 4 pack.

Tom, Batteries are so expensive now they are about the same. Chris just paid $105 for a 12 v for his truck.
 
one 4pack_1 charger=12hours, two 4packs_1 charger=24 hours, two 4packs_2chargers=12hours, one 8pack_2chargers=12hours

add a 4pack and a charger you keep the same charging hours. The two 4packs (each 4pack should be wired in a series which increases from 6v battery to 24v pack)can be connected together and so can the chargers (two chargers are twice as many amps charges faster), but the 4packs should be parallel (positive to positive and negative to negative which increases available amps/amp hours not voltage). 2-24v packs make one high volume longer lasting(x2) 8pack. You don't want 48v by mistake!

I'm just saying you don't need the generator and you can configure with a switch or without. You can charge each pack individually or together as an 8 pack in the same 12 hours with 2 chargers. Do everything the guy from the biljacks place told you and you will be fine, but you don't need the jenny, but you do need the other charger or a bigger one (amps x2) if they have one. This may increase your electric bill or wherever you plug it in.
 
I don't know if I'm wrong or not what I am thinking is deep cycles charge slowly and regular car batteries can charge much faster? Because the charger is available its not really a deep cycle situation? Maybe the criteria would be to suck the most amps as fast as possible. Dont they have really high amp chargers for car batteries?
 
Seems like I can have a dead battery and it charges right up off the alternator.
 
OK what about a battery charger that puts out 200 amps for starting, I'm guessing that cant be run as a power source but what if it had extra cooling or something?

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...arger-Schumacher_5570859-P_N3014_A|GRP2005___

5570859_shu_se4020_pri_mini.jpg
 
"A heavy duty charger will provide whatever you want, according the charger you purchase. 1700 Amps is generally the maximum current rating at 12 volts, although many heavy duty battery chargers provide a lower current of 700 or even 120 amps and down to 20 amps."

1700 amps!
 
200 amps at 24 volts about 5000 watts can you just run a power supply right off a generator on demand?
 
The factory says I have to run it off batteries. I don't understand why.

Went out and bought another 4 pack for a total of 8 - 6 volt deep cycles - the big tall ones -

Today we went up 11 times with two guys and still showed a FULL charge.

BUT mid day it started getting slow like it did before just before the batteries ran down.

I checked the temp on the 24v hydraulic pump motor and it was HOT.

Now I think part of my problem is maybe I need different hydraulic fluid in this hotter climate. Seems like we have no problems in the winter. I'm not even going to plug it in. I've got a light schedule for the lift this week that I can move around as needed so I'm going to see just how many times I can get out of it on a full charge with 8 batteries.

Meanwhile anybody in the market for a brand new 5500 watt generator? :)

Nick, I need to get in touch with your guy about the battery saver stuff, but I can't PM you because there is something wrong with my controls and it isn't allowing me to PM. Can you email me his info at tonyshelton@sonitx.com ?
 
Back to the drawing board. One year later and the 8 225amp batteries are still holding a charge, but don't have enough Umph to lift the lower boom more than once or twice before it gives out......still showing a full charge.

Taking it to the repair shop in the morning.

Going to discuss going the 250amp alternator route for supplemental power.
 
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