RIZK charger

[Trouthead]

got my charger out the other day to charge up the lawn tractor. Hooked it all up, plugged it in a a puff of smoke came out of the charger. I guess 25 years for a Sears charger was pretty good.

Now in the market. Big box chargers, small box chargers, or RIZK supper heavy duty made in America chargers.

Anyone have any experience with RIZK or have any other ideas and recommendations for battery chargers. I live in a cold climate and for some reason someone is always leaving the trunk open or the lights on so I use a charger a lot.

 

[rhandwor]

I would look at Model M303 I have used Schumacher battery chargers.
http://www.northernequipment.com/ Model SE-3000
https://www.amazon.com/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Its cheaper

 

[Trouthead]

I have done a bit (alot) more research, and it would appear that a "smart charger" is the way to go. Brands that seem to be out there are Schumacher, Schauer, and Black and Decker. when I have a dead battery, I'd like to be able to hook it up to the charger and forget about it for a few hours, and not come back to a cooked battery. My previous Sears charger must have been a first generation smart charger as it would taper the charge.

Anyone have any other recommendations as to B&D or Schauer, or Schumacher? Any first hand experience.

Like many of us here I like to have HD quality stuff, that is not going to let me down. Stuff that will last 20 years or more.
thanks,

 

[rhandwor]

As to use a larger charger such as the Schumacher SE-3000 has the boost for a quick start plus are large enough capacity to charge a battery up completely in a short period of time.
I personally have a Craftsman about the same size as the SE-3000. I think it will cost you more. I've used Snap On chargers but they are made by somebody else.
If your car has a dead battery this will start it to allow you to drive to a retail store for a new one.

 

[vssjim]

I have many of the Rizk chargers and we have used some of them for many years, they also do repair there chargers if you have a problem because they are not imported. They do make them and service them in Warren Michigan. I stopped buying other chargers a while ago because thety seemed to all be cheapy imports with a short life spann.

 

[ImportTuner]

First time I heard of RIZK chargers; went to their website and it looks like they make some really nice chargers.

 

[rhandwor]

I noticed you use it for a lawn tractor. I have a small diesel tractor I pull a 5 foot finish mower with. I purchased a battery maintainer at Auto Zone I bolted on a hanger in front of the battery under the hood. I plug it in and leave it on all winter. The battery lasts appx. 4 years instead of 2 years maximum. It charges up till 13 volt and shuts off and turns on at 12 volt according to instructions. 12.8 is normally considered full charge. I saved more in battery cost than $29.95 cost of the unit.
http://www.ebay.com/ 260400669695 This is somewhat mine looks like.

 

[Trouthead]

This is turning into a marathon internet research session. Schumachers, some like some don't, Black and Deckers, can't find much, mainly "it charged my battery just fine", Associated, (also made in America) can't find very much at all.

A battery minder would be great for all of my extra battery start items, but, they are stored in a barn with no electricity. Even my truck will slowly loose the charge when I don't drive it regularly.

Was hoping for some more advice, as in the absense of more i am still leaning towards the RIZK. Made in America, not a smart charger, but it does taper the charge. Aslo has a large enough boost to actually start a vehicle.

More opinions would be welcome.

 

[chevy302dz]

I have this model http://www.usabatterychargers.com/CH110.htm and have had it for a couple of years no issues so far.

 

[nate379]

Run down to Wally World, grab the first $30 charger you seen and be done with it... sheez!

It's not like it's going to the moon or anything.

Taper off, auto, all that junk... I never use or bothered to figure out.

Mine is just a simple Schumacher. It was in a car that I bought about 6 years ago actually, so I got it free.

I just put the thing on 2 amps, and give it 24hrs.


You should see the charger my Dad has. It's about the size of mine but must weigh 35lbs. I'd guess it was built around 1950, but not sure. Still works fine. 10amp/2amp

 

[Trouthead]

Probably sage advice!

 

[Thedroid]

I think those RIZK chargers look nice. I wouldn't mind one of the smaller portable units.

 

[35mastr]

Buy any charger except for those smart chargers. If the battery is not completly dead it will never turn on. I bought one one time and returned it immidiately because it would not charge a partial dead battery.

 

[Danglerb]

I have an ancient 2/4/6 charger, and a fancy Schumacher smart charger from costco thats 2/20/75 and will start most cars on the 75 mode after just a few minutes of 20 amps.

BUT it won't charge a dead battery, I have to put the old one on to get some kind of a charge, then the new one.

*** Whats changed is that modern chargers don't run at 60 hz, they are switch mode like computer power supplies, which take the 120 vac 60hz and immediately use a solid state switch to convert it to 50khz or more. The higher frequency requires a MUCH smaller number of turns on a transformer, and copper is money, so more fancy electronics can end up cheaper and more reliable than older designs (also lighter).

 

[Thedroid]

I've had trouble with my vector smart charger also. It faults all the time telling me, open cell, shorted cell, etc. When a battery really needs to be charged, then it always finds something wrong with it. I've even had to "wake up" the battery a little with the jump start function, and then put it to charge, or the charger faults. Very disappointed with this charger. I currently have a Shumacher, that is ok, but I wish I knew about the USA made RIKZ chargers before I bought it.

 

[ImportTuner]

I have this model http://www.usabatterychargers.com/CH110.htm and have had it for a couple of years no issues so far.

Pretty damm impressive charger .. 550 amps boost

 

[Trouthead]

Ordered a RIZK. Liked the idea of a smart charger, but all the negative comments about failure to charge really dead batteries made me shy away. When I need a charger the battery is pretty much completly discharged, lights been left on all day, or the door is ajar for a number a days because no one noticed, etc. If I have to jump the battery with another vehicle to get the charger to work whats the use.

We will see.

 

[Thedroid]

I think you made a good decision. I'm thinking about ordering one for myself also. It looks like a quality American built product also. I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[mooman]

check out this link to Overstock.com.
It looks to be a rebagged RIZK charger. If you compare features and pictures, they look the same.
Can anyone vouch for RIZK chargers? I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Schumaker, but am having second thoughts...

http://www.overstock.com/Auto-Parts/K-Tool-12-amp-Portable-Car-Battery-Charger/3399062/product.html

 

[nate379]

Whatever you get, make sure it has the 2amp setting. That's what I charge my batteries with if I can leave them overnight. If I need it within an hr or so I put it on 10amp.

 

[Vinko]

I love the wheeled battery chargers on the RIZK site. Also the jumper cables look pretty beefy. I wonder if the components are made in the USA as well.

I've been keeping my eye out for an used older Die-Hard roll around charger. The type without any of the newer bells and whistles.

 

[scooter12589]

Personally I love my Black and Decker smart charger (Vector I believe). I bought the biggest Home Depot had and it has paid for itself. The recondition mode works really well and now people bring me their batteries to recondition them for 5 bucks a piece. I do keep an older Sears manual 2 and 10 amp charger for the dead batteries that give the smart charger a hard time. I do like those Rizk chargers though. When I need a new rolling charger starter I am going to pick one of those up.

 

[Trouthead]

Can anyone vouch for RIZK chargers? I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Schumaker, but am having second thoughts...

http://www.overstock.com/Auto-Parts/K-Tool-12-amp-Portable-Car-Battery-Charger/3399062/product.html[/QUOTE]

A couple of earlier poster have first hand experience with them.

Thought I was quoting a previous poster. Guess my "Quote" skills need some work.

 

[mooman]

which one did you order and did you get it yet?

 

[Trouthead]

Ordered the P160. It came in yesterday. WOW. It is big it is heavy, it has super clamps, cables, and AC cord, and it is very red. Must weigh 30 pounds. It came UPS shipping included in the price, and it took the normal 5 days that shipping from the midwest takes to Wyoming.

Nothing here is out of charge, so I can't say how it works, but it is really quite the unit. Problably overkill, but so what.

My wife saw it and said "is it big enough" I just smiled. I won't run a battery down just to try it, but I will report back upon first use.

 

[mooman]

I just ordered the 1262 for my Father In Law for Father's day.
This company is a little strange. It's hard to find alot of info. on them via the web and how they ditribute their products other than direct.

We'll see.

 

[Trouthead]

It is seemingly a strange company. Been around for a while but not much infor or exposure. Pretty esoteric stuff for a battery charger.

I don't usually get too worked up about buying American, but when I look at what I own, most of my guns are American, most of my tools are too. I'd love to support GM, but I really don't think they compare to Nissan or Toyota, (at least mine was assmebled in the USA).

I don't think small item like battery charges should all be imported. We meed to keep some manufacturing base stateside, and with the economy where it is, I am being alot more aware of buying American.

 

[mooman]

I received my 126AC this weekend. I must say, I'm not impressed with the craftmanship of the unit. The case feels like it is about 22 gauge steel and has sharp edges at the corners.
The meter is installed crooked.
The front label feels like the just glued it on in a few places and is peeling off.
I have not used it yet, but I am not impressed with the workmanship of this unit. I'd expect better from a U.S manufacturer these days.
I'm almost embarrased to give this as a gift to my Father in Law on Fathers Day.

 

[Danglerb]

Maybe its just assembled in the US?

 

[Trouthead]

Finally got to use my charger. the door got left open on the car for a couple of days without anyone noticing.

Used the quick start for about 30 seconds, than the fast start setting for about a minute. Disconnected the charger and the battery had enough juice to start the car. Just what I was hopeing for.

Moonman, I also looked at mine with a more critical eye towards the assembly. My meter is straight, and the sheet metal edges are not bad, but they could be better with turned down creases at each corner.

The label on mine is most likely the same, but it is not peeling.

It is a bit on the funky side? Yup. Will it recondition batteries? No. I am happy with it so far, but all it has to do is charge dead batteries in a minute or two, and last 20 years and I will be happy.

 

[mooman]

I spoke to them after receiving my first unit and explaining that for one of the most expensive, basic chargers on the market, I would expect better. They agreed to send me a replacement. The new one was much better looking quality wise.

 

[Trouthead]

Glad to hear that. All in all a rather odd company, but sending out another is reasonably good customer service. My gearhead buddies who have see it all said the same thing, "dam, that is a big m***********"

 

[Vinko]

I received my 126AC this weekend. I must say, I'm not impressed with the craftmanship of the unit. The case feels like it is about 22 gauge steel and has sharp edges at the corners.
The meter is installed crooked.
The front label feels like the just glued it on in a few places and is peeling off.
I have not used it yet, but I am not impressed with the workmanship of this unit. I'd expect better from a U.S manufacturer these days.
I'm almost embarrased to give this as a gift to my Father in Law on Fathers Day.

Thanks for the update. You'd think that a unit much more expensive than the old school Sears Die Hard charger would be built better. I don't see how someone has the balls to charge that much and send something out so sloppy.

 

[junkle]

So any thoughts on these a year or so later by the guys who bought them? Updates?

thanks,

j

 

[mooman]

Sadly, I don't much feedback to offer after I bought this. My Father In law has only used it once and it worked.

 

[Trouthead]

Just went back to this thread, after 2 years. Still happy with the charger. Have used it alot, and it does just what I hoped it would do. Charges dead batteries fast to get the car running and go to work, or charges them slowly over several hours. It is heavy and doesn't ever seem to get hot.

 

[Pukeballs]

Thanks for the update. I've had my eye on one of the Rizk roll around chargers for awhile now. Just haven't pulled the trigger. Its usually something that I would not buy for myself as I already have a couple chargers, but Xmas is coming and the wife wants some ideas on what to get me. Thanks again.

 

[vssjim]

I have five of their chargers and three friend use them also. Great US company and tough products that work good and they stand behind them with service or repair.