Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even now, this type of equipment is found in every warehouse operation throughout the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies such as Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated machine equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced 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 the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
Once the Second World War ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for instance 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 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, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular model consumes 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.