Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this kind of machinery is found in every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses such as Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design 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 the Second World War. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies all over the globe. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the forklift in the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. During the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind 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 could utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These consist of diesel, electrical battery, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This type consumes 39 percent less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.