The present technology is generally directed to methods of increasing coke production rates for coke ovens. In some embodiments, a coal charging system includes a false door system with a false door that is vertically oriented to maximize an amount of coal being charged into the oven. A lower extension plate associated with embodiments of the false door is selectively, automatically extended beyond a lower end portion of the false door in order to extend an effective length of the false door. In other embodiments an extension plate may be coupled with an existing false door having an angled front surface to provide the existing false door with a vertically oriented face.