Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this type of machinery is found in every warehouse operation all around the globe.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors inside their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the globe. It was also at 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 as soon as World War II ended. During the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by numerous fuel options like diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind uses 39 percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.