Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by various fuel options like diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular kind uses thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those kinds of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.