Forklift Truck Classification
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this particular piece of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all around the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies all over the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced such as 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you can use to power a forklift today. These include electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This type consumes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.