On a forklift, you'll find a variety of different mechanisms that lower and raise the lifts, such as: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, telescoping lifts, screw lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift uses crisscrossed folding supports and a screw system 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 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 use a mechanism that involves multiple parts that unfold or articulate. An example of an articulated lift is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are a lot of reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling processes. Material handling tools and the processes could be used to handle more SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the requirement to lower inventories. Machines which are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize production and increase profitability.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The latest innovations on electric forklifts have yielded longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before, that makes the decision to convert from the traditional IC forklift over to the improved electric units. Battery and charger combinations are providing more power for longer periods than older systems can achieve. Enhancements in battery and charger technologies are not just making electric forklifts more beneficial but they are making it possible to have more environmentally friendly warehouse operations.
The electric powered machinery use Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion batteries show incredible promise, though this technology is still quite new. They are not just smaller but can hold up to six times the charge of standard lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have extremely low maintenance needs and are able to maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.