Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even now, this piece of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the globe.
The first forklifts were built as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors inside their factories. In 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 equipment which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck within the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as the Second World War ended. During the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you could utilize to power a forklift today. These include electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This model consumes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.