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 throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors in their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played a key part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced which solidified the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as the Second World War ended. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type was made by the Raymond Corporation. In 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 many 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 first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This model uses 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those kinds of forklifts which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.