Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even today, this piece of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Businesses such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with the Second World War. The forklift played a key part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies all around the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the forklift in the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. During the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
These days, the forklift could be powered by numerous fuel options like electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind uses thirty nine percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.