On a forklift, there is a variety of different ways which lower and raise the lifts, like: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, screw lifts, telescoping lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift uses crisscrossed folding supports and a screw system that draws the members together. Rack and pinion lifts use a pinion, which is a small drive gear, to drive a straight-toothed rack to raise the load. The telescoping lift system is made with multiple parts which retract and extend into and out of each other to achieve lifting action. Screw lifts use threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts utilize a system involving multiple parts which articulate or unfold. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are numerous reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling methods. Material handling machinery and the methods can be utilized to handle increased geographical coverage, more SKUs, and the need to lower inventories. Tools which are well ahead of the technological curve could help productivity maximization and increase profitability.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The decision to convert from conventional, IC lift trucks to electric forklifts is a smart one because the newest series of electric forklifts offer longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before. Battery and charger combinations are providing more power for a lot longer periods than older systems could achieve. Improvements in both charger and battery technologies are not only making electric lift trucks more productive but they are making it possible to have warehouse operations that are more environmentally friendly.
These new batteries are called Li-ion batteries or Lithium-Ion batteries. This technology is still quite new, but Li-ion batteries show remarkable promise. They are not just smaller but could hold up to six times the charge of traditional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have extremely low maintenance requirements and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.