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 throughout the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which resulted in the construction of the first forklifts. Businesses like for example Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies all over the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. In the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could use to power a forklift today. These comprise electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind uses 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.