Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the world.
The very first forklifts were built as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Businesses like for instance Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors in their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and started selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design evolved from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around 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.
As soon as the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like 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 much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you could use to power a forklift nowadays. 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 currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular type utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.