Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this type of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the world.
The very first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Businesses like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machinery that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling business.
Once 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 types of forklifts introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This model was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are various options you can utilize to power a forklift nowadays. 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 runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This kind consumes 39 percent less fuel than 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.