Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this kind of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all over the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower which resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the forklift design evolved from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout 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.
When World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular type 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Today, the forklift could be powered by numerous fuel options such as electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type consumes 39% 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 that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.