Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for around 100 years now. Even today, this type of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the globe.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Companies such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played a vital role 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 solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Once the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model 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 companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you could utilize to power a forklift these days. These include electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.