Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this particular piece of machinery is found in every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the construction of the first forklifts. Businesses such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the forklift design evolved from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played an essential role during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Forklifts 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 kinds of forklifts introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.