Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular kind of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the construction of the very first forklifts. Companies such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. In the year 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 machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
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 forklift models introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model 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 numerous options you can use to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise electric battery, diesel, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This model utilizes 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.