A printhead capping system includes: a fixed plate; first and second sliders slidably movable along the fixed plate; a mounting bracket having a cap assembly mounted thereon; and first and second arms interconnecting the mounting bracket and the respective first and second sliders. Movement of the first and second sliders towards each other causes lateral movement of the cap assembly away from the fixed plate, and movement of the first and second sliders away from each other causes lateral movement of the cap assembly towards the fixed plate.