Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this type of machinery is found in every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the first forklifts. Companies like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine which utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a key part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when World War II ended. During the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized kinds of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you could use to power a forklift today. These include electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular model consumes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts which are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.