On a forklift, there is a variety of different ways that raise and lower the lifts, including: rack and pinion lifts, scissor lifts, screw lifts, telescoping lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift utilizes crisscrossed folding supports and a screw mechanism which draws the members together. Rack and pinion lifts use a pinion, that is a small drive gear, to drive a straight-toothed rack to lift the cargo. The telescoping lift mechanism is made with multiple sections which retract and extend into and out of each other to achieve lifting action. Screw lifts utilize threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts use a system that involves multiple sections which unfold or articulate. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are a lot of reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling methods. Material handling machines and the methods could be utilized to deal with more SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the need to lower inventories. Tools that are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize production and increase effectiveness.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The latest innovations on electric lift trucks have yielded higher capacities and longer run-times than ever before, that makes the choice to convert from the conventional IC lift truck over to the improved electric models. Charger and battery combinations are offering a lot more power for longer periods than older systems could achieve. Improvements in both battery and charger technologies are not just 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 Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. This technology is still quite new, however Li-ion batteries show incredible promise. They are not only smaller but could hold up to six times the charge of traditional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have very low maintenance needs and could maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.