Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this type of machinery is found in every warehouse operation all over the globe.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Companies like for instance Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors inside their factories. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played a key role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as the Second World War ended. In the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind 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 various options you can use to power a forklift these days. These include electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This model uses 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.