On a lift truck, there are a range of different mechanisms that raise and lower the lifts, like: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, telescoping lifts, screw lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift utilizes crisscrossed folding supports and a screw system which draws the members together. Rack and pinion lifts utilize a pinion, that is a small drive gear, to drive a straight-toothed rack to raise the cargo. The telescoping lift mechanism is made with many sections that retract and extend into and out of each other to attain lifting action. Screw lifts use threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts use a system that involves many sections that articulate or unfold. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Forklift Material Handling
There are numerous reasons to keep up with changes in material handling methods. Material handling tools and the methods can be utilized to handle additional SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the requirement to lower inventories. Tools which are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize production and increase profitability.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The newest innovations on electric lift trucks have yielded higher capacities and longer run-times than ever before, which makes the decision to convert from the conventional internal combustion forklift over to the improved electric units. Charger and battery combinations are providing much more power for longer periods than older systems could achieve. Improvements in charger and battery technologies are not only making electric forklifts more beneficial but they are making it possible to have warehouse operations that are more environmentally friendly.
These new batteries are called Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. This technology is still quite new, however Li-ion batteries show remarkable promise. They are not just smaller but are capable of holding up to six times the charge of traditional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have very low maintenance needs and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.