Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which resulted in the creation of the first forklifts. Companies like for example Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors in their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all over the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as the Second World War ended. During the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind 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 companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you can use to power a forklift today. These consist of diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.