Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even today, this type of machinery is found in every warehouse operation all around the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors inside their factories. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design evolved from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
As soon as the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. 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 particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you could utilize to power a forklift today. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.