Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses like for instance Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors in their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design 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 sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played an essential role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies all over the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
Once World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts 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 within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
These days, the forklift could be powered by numerous fuel options such as diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.