GREENWORKS tool and equipment batteries: How do you use them wisely
Cordless garden equipment is becoming more and more popular every day. There are many reasons for this - autonomy, environmental friendliness and most importantly - convenience, because the user will not have to tangle in a long electric cord and breathe toxic gasoline emissions. But buying such equipment, it is important to choose the right battery and then follow the rules of storage and charging, in order to maximize the service life.
GREENWORKS produces four lines of battery technology for home and garden: amateur 24V and 40V lines, semi-professional 60V and professional 82V. For each series, the manufacturer offers innovative lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries of the latest generation: for the 24V line with capacities from 2A*h to 4A*h, for the 40V, 60V and 82V lines with capacities from 2A*h to 5A*h. It is important to note that the batteries are universal, i.e. suitable for all tools of the same line. This means that if you buy one battery, you can use it in several tools of the same series, which means significant savings (in the future you can only buy more tools without the battery!).
GREENWORKS lithium-ion batteries have many competitive advantages. Let's take a closer look at them:
1. No "memory effect". Unlike nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, they do not "remember" how much they have been charged/discharged previously, and do not remain at those levels the next time they are charged.
2. Fast charging. It takes only 30 minutes to charge a 24V 2A*h battery and just over an hour to charge a 40V 4A*h battery. In addition, Greenworks offers unique battery chargers for fast battery charging.
3. A unique control board that protects against overheating and overcharging. It uses the charge evenly and even if there is only 1% left, the unit will work at full capacity.
4. The battery case is made of impact resistant reinforced plastic, the edges are framed with rubber pads to protect the battery from damage. A special indicator on the front panel lets you track the charge level.
5. USB slots that allow you to use it as a power bank. On a long trip, a hike or anywhere where there is no power outlet, you can charge your tablet or phone, plug in a lamp or table fan. The test with a smartphone equipped with a 5000 mA*h battery showed very impressive results. The 24V battery gave it 4 full charges, and the 40V battery gave it almost 8. And that's 24 days!
Each GREENWORKS product line has a different type of battery charger. The "fast" G40UC4 model in the 40V line deserves special mention. It is a compact charger that "fills" the battery in the shortest possible time. An important feature of this model is that it has built-in protection against overcharging: when the battery reaches 100% capacity, charging is automatically stopped.
When working long hours or using several tools, it is often necessary to charge two batteries at the same time. For this type of application, GREENWORKS has developed unique dual battery chargers in the 24V, 40V and 82V series. These are the models G24C, G40UC2 and G82C2.
Each of these units has an overcharge protection chip. Once the batteries are 100% charged, the process stops automatically.
The user can see how much time is left until the batteries are fully charged by the indicator on the case. The feet of all chargers have a rubber coating for maximum stability. There is also a hole for wall mounting.
Each charger plugs into a standard wall outlet.
How do I store and charge my battery properly? How do I store, charge, and protect batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are designed for 2,000 charge/discharge cycles and have an average life of approximately 8 years. In most cases, premature failure is caused by improper use.
5 simple rules to extend battery life
1. How to charge the battery correctly?
The charging process itself is very simple. You should connect the charger to the 220/230V network. After that, you should insert the battery into the cavity until it clicks. If the indicator light turns red, it means the battery is too hot and you need to let it cool down within 20-30 minutes. When the light blinks green, it means the charging process has begun.
Do not leave the charger switched on "idle", i.e. without a battery being charged. To avoid overheating, allow the charger to cool down after 2-3 hours of continuous charging.
2. How to clean it?
If the battery or charger is dirty, clean it only with a dry cloth or brush. Moisture is not acceptable.
It is extremely important that no metal particles such as shavings, foil, etc. get into the battery. - This will cause a short circuit. For the same reason, do not connect the charger with a damaged power cord.
3 What should I do if the battery is damaged?
Do not use the battery if it is damaged: swollen, torn, or leaking. Never disassemble the battery and try to repair it - it is extremely dangerous. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes, flush with cold water (at least 15 minutes) and seek medical attention immediately.
4. 4. Where and how should I store it?
Do not wash the battery pack, leave it in the rain or in a damp place as this will cause it to malfunction. The same applies to overheating from the sun or other heat sources. Store batteries and chargers in a dark and dry place. In winter, the battery should be stored in a warm room. Do not store a fully discharged battery as it will fail. Charge it to at least half its capacity, or better yet, fully.
5. How to avoid overheating?
It is important to make sure that the ventilation holes on the battery and charger are always open. Failure to do so may result in overheating.
At the end of its life, the battery should be taken to a special recycling facility. Do not dispose of it in a landfill or incinerate it - this will poison the environment. Before buying a battery, it is advisable to study it carefully, paying attention to all the features of the design. This will prevent you from buying a counterfeit battery.