Forklift Truck Classification
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the first forklifts. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors in their factories. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with the Second World War. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies all around the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when World War II ended. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
These days, the forklift can be powered by numerous fuel options such as electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.