On a forklift, there is a variety of different mechanisms which lower and raise the lifts, including: rack and pinion lifts, scissor lifts, screw lifts, telescoping lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift uses crisscrossed folding supports with a screw system which draws the members together. Rack and pinion lifts utilize a pinion, that is a small drive gear, to drive a straight-toothed rack to raise the load. The telescoping lift system is designed with multiple sections which retract and extend out of and into each other to achieve lifting action. Screw lifts use threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts utilize a system that involves multiple parts that unfold or articulate. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Forklift Material Handling
In material handling processes, there is many reasons to keep up with innovations. Material handling tools and the processes could be used to handle increased geographical coverage, additional SKUs, and the need to lower inventories. Tools that are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize production and increase profitability.
Lift truck Battery & Charging Technology
The newest innovations on electric forklifts have yielded longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before, which makes the choice to convert from the conventional internal combustion lift truck over to the improved electric units. Charger and battery combinations are offering much more power for a lot longer periods than older systems were capable of accomplishing. Improvements in charger and battery 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 remarkable 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 requirements and can maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.