Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this particular piece 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. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with the Second World War. The forklift played an important role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when World War II ended. During the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you can use to power a forklift today. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.