Classification of Forklift Trucks
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 globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the first forklifts. Businesses like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the forklift design evolved 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 sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played a key role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
As soon as World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During 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 numerous options you could use to power a forklift these days. These consist of diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.