Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this type of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all over the world.
The first forklifts were made as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by World War I. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors in their factories. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and began selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the forklift design evolved in the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played an essential role during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies all around the globe. It was also at this time that wooden pallets were introduced which solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when the Second World War ended. During the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized types 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 much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This type utilizes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.