Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this particular kind of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The very first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Companies like for instance Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors in 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 design of forklifts 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 role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
As soon as the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This 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 various options you could use to power a forklift today. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind utilizes thirty nine percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.