Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even now, this particular kind of machine is found in every warehouse operation all over the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the construction of the very first forklifts. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors inside their factories. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with the Second World War. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type 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.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by various fuel options such as electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind uses 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.