Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even now, this kind of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Businesses like for instance Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors in their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the design of forklifts evolved from a basic 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 an important role during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as WWII ended. During the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models 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 within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
These days, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type uses thirty nine percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.