Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this particular type of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played an important role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as WWII ended. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like for instance 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 much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you could use to power a forklift today. These consist of electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular kind consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.