Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even now, this type of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors inside their factories. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and started selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around the globe. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
When World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could use to power a forklift these days. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.