Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for approximately 100 years now. Even today, this kind of machine is found in every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Businesses such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began 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 advanced with World War II. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Once World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models 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 much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by numerous fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type uses thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.