Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even today, this piece of machine is found in every warehouse operation all around the world.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors in their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played a key part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies all over the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when WWII ended. During the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you can use to power a forklift nowadays. These consist of diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular kind uses 39 percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.