Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even now, this particular kind of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The very first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Companies like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
As soon as WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds 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 within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you can use to power a forklift today. These include electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This type consumes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.