Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this particular piece of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the globe.
The first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Businesses such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors inside their factories. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Once World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within 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 diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular model consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove 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.