On a lift truck, there can be a range of different mechanisms which lower and raise the lifts, like: rack and pinion lifts, scissor lifts, screw lifts, telescoping lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift utilizes crisscrossed folding supports with a screw mechanism 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 many parts that extend and retract out of and into each other to achieve lifting action. Screw lifts utilize threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts use a system involving many sections that unfold or articulate. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
In material handling processes, there are numerous reasons to keep up with innovations. Material handling processes and the machines can be used to handle more SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the requirement to lower inventories. Tools that are well ahead of the technological curve can help productivity maximization and increase profitability.
Forklift Battery & Charging Technology
The decision to convert from traditional, internal combustion lift trucks to electric lift trucks is a wise one because the latest series of electric lift trucks offer longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before. Battery and charger combinations are offering more power for longer periods than older systems were capable of achieving. Improvements in both charger and battery technologies are not just making electric lift trucks more beneficial but they are making it possible to have more environmentally friendly warehouse operations.
The electric powered machines utilize Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion batteries show incredible promise, although this technology is still quite new. They are not only smaller but are capable of holding up to six times the charge of conventional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have very low maintenance requirements and could maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.