On a forklift, there are actually a variety of different ways that raise and lower the lifts, like: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, telescoping lifts, screw 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, 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 which retract and extend out of and into each other to attain lifting action. Screw lifts utilize threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts utilize a system which involves many sections which articulate or unfold. An example of an articulated lift is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are a lot of reasons to keep up with changes in material handling methods. Material handling methods and the machinery can be utilized to handle more SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the requirement to lower inventories. Machinery which are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize efficiency and increase effectiveness.
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 conventional internal combustion lift truck over to the improved electric models. Battery and charger combinations are providing a lot more power for longer periods than older systems were capable of accomplishing. Enhancements in battery and charger 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, however 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 very low maintenance needs and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.