Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the world.
The very first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors in their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the globe. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
When WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you could utilize to power a forklift these days. These consist of diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular type uses 39 percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.