Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even now, this kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Companies such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their factories. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an important role during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all over the globe. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when World War II ended. During the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model 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 companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type utilizes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.