On a lift truck, there are actually a variety of different mechanisms that raise and lower the lifts, such as: scissors lifts, rack and pinion lifts, telescoping lifts, screw lifts and articulated lifts. The scissor lift utilizes crisscrossed folding supports with a screw mechanism 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 lift the load. The telescoping lift mechanism is designed with many sections that extend and retract into and out of each other to attain lifting action. Screw lifts use threads to raise the lift. Articulated lifts use a mechanism which involves many parts which unfold or articulate. An example of an articulated lift is the "cherry picker."
Lift truck Material Handling
There are many reasons to keep up with innovations in material handling methods. Material handling methods and the machines could be utilized to deal with increased geographical coverage, additional SKUs, and the requirement to lower inventories. Tools that are well ahead of the technological curve could help productivity maximization and increase profitability.
Lift truck Battery & Charging Technology
The decision to convert from conventional, internal combustion lift trucks to electric lift trucks is a smart one as the latest series of electric forklifts provide longer run-times and higher capacities than ever before. Battery and charger combinations are offering more power for longer periods than older systems could achieve. Improvements in both battery and charger technologies are not only making electric forklifts more beneficial but they are making it possible to have more environmentally friendly warehouse operations.
The electric powered machinery use Li-ion batteries or Lithium-Ion batteries. The Li-ion batteries show remarkable promise, though this technology is still quite new. They are not only smaller but can hold up to six times the charge of traditional lead acid batteries. Li-ion batteries have really low maintenance needs and could maximize opportunity charging through zero memory technology.