Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even today, this type of equipment is found in every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which used powered lift tractors in their plants. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design 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 advanced with World War II. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of supplies for different armies throughout the globe. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the forklift in the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when WWII ended. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could utilize to power a forklift today. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular kind uses 39 percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less compared to those kinds of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.