Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the globe.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Companies such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors in their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the forklift design changed 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 different armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that proved the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Once the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which use 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. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind uses 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those kinds of forklifts which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.