Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular type of machine is found in every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors in their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. In the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within 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 could utilize to power a forklift today. These include electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type consumes 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.