Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this particular kind of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The very first forklifts were built as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with World War II. The forklift played a key role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as WWII ended. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In 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.
These days, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.