Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the first forklifts. Businesses such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved in 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 a key part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when WWII ended. In the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could utilize to power a forklift these days. These include electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind uses 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.