Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even now, this type of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the design of forklifts evolved from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machinery which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played an essential role during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
When World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you could use to power a forklift these days. These include diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.