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 throughout the world.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the construction of the first forklifts. Businesses like for instance Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors in their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies all around the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Once WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During 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.
Nowadays, the forklift could be powered by numerous fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular model consumes thirty nine percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.