Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this piece of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the globe.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Businesses like for instance 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 machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
When the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind 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 numerous options you could utilize to power a forklift today. 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 now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular kind consumes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.