Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this particular kind of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all around the globe.
The very first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. 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 wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
When the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This type was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Today, the forklift could be powered by numerous fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, 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 kind consumes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those kinds of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.