Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this piece of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and started selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that proved the need for the forklift within 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 for instance 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 a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you can utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.