Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The very first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the forklift design evolved from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machine that was 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 different armies throughout the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
When WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind 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.
There are numerous options you could utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These consist of electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular kind uses thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.