Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this particular type of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The very first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that 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. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all over the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Once the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could use to power a forklift these days. These consist of electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular kind utilizes 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.