Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even now, this particular kind of machinery is found in every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors in their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies all over the globe. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
Once WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During 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 nowadays. These consist of electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.