Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this particular piece of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the world.
The very first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with the Second World War. The forklift played a key role 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 proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Once the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, battery driven forklifts 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 in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you can utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove 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.