Forklift Truck Classification
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this particular kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the first forklifts. Businesses like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple 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 the Second World War. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies all over the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when World War II ended. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you can utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular kind uses 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.