On a forklift, there are actually a range 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 utilizes 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 raise the cargo. The telescoping lift system is made with multiple parts that 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 mechanism which involves many parts which articulate or unfold. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Forklift Material Handling
There are numerous reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling methods. Material handling tools and the processes can be used to handle increased geographical coverage, more SKUs, and the requirement to lower inventories. Machinery which are well ahead of the technological curve could help productivity maximization and increase profitability.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The decision to convert from traditional, IC lift trucks to electric lift trucks is a wise one since the newest series of electric forklifts provide higher capacities and longer run-times than ever before. Battery and charger combinations are offering a lot more power for a lot longer periods than older systems were capable of accomplishing. Improvements in both battery and charger technologies are not just making electric forklifts more productive but they are making it possible to have more environmentally friendly warehouse operations.
These new batteries are known as Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. This technology is still quite new, but Li-ion batteries show incredible promise. 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 requirements and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.