One can find a variety of different mechanisms that raise or lower lifts on a lift truck: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, screw lifts, telescoping lifts and articulated lifts. Scissor lifts employ crisscrossed folding supports and a screw system utilized to draw the members together. Rack and pinion lifts use 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 which retract and extend out of and into each other to achieve lifting action. Screw lifts utilize threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts utilize a system that involves multiple parts which unfold or articulate. An example of an articulated lift is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are many reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling methods. Material handling methods and the machines could be used to handle increased geographical coverage, more SKUs, 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 decision to convert from traditional, IC lift trucks to electric lift trucks is a wise one as the latest line-ups of electric forklifts provide higher capacities and longer run-times than ever before. Charger and battery combinations are providing a lot more power for a lot longer periods than older systems were capable of accomplishing. Enhancements in both battery and charger technologies are not only making electric lift trucks more beneficial but they are making it possible to have more environmentally friendly warehouse operations.
The electric powered equipment use Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion batteries show incredible promise, although this technology is still somewhat new. They are not just smaller but could hold up to six times the charge of standard lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have really low maintenance requirements and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.