On a lift truck, one can find a range of different means which lower and raise the lifts, including: rack and pinion lifts, scissor lifts, telescoping lifts, screw lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift uses crisscrossed folding supports with a screw mechanism which draws the members together. Rack and pinion lifts use a pinion, which is a small drive gear, to drive a straight-toothed rack to raise the load. The telescoping lift mechanism is designed with many parts that extend and retract into and out of each other to attain lifting action. Screw lifts use threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts utilize a system involving multiple parts that unfold or articulate. An articulated lift example is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are numerous reasons to keep up with changes in material handling methods. Material handling machines and the processes could be used to deal with additional SKUs, increased geographical coverage, and the need to lower inventories. Machinery which are well ahead of the technological curve could help maximize efficiency and increase profitability.
Lift truck Battery & Charging Technology
The latest innovations on electric lift trucks have yielded longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before, that makes the decision to convert from the conventional IC forklift over to the improved electric units. Charger and battery combinations are providing much more power for longer periods than older systems were capable of accomplishing. Improvements in both charger and battery 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 Lithium-Ion Batteries or Li-ion batteries. This technology is still somewhat new, however Li-ion batteries show incredible promise. They are not just smaller but can hold up to six times the charge of traditional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have extremely low maintenance needs and could maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.