Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this piece of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies all around the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
As soon as WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type was made by the Raymond Corporation. In 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 numerous options you can utilize to power a forklift today. These consist of electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.