Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this kind of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all around the world.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like for example Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their factories. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the forklift design changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind 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 companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
These days, the forklift can be powered by numerous fuel options such as electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This model uses 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove 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.