It was in the start of the 20th Century when the very first forklifts were launched. These equipment over the past 90 plus years has revolutionized the material handling business and even the recycling business. The factors for safe operation, the forklift's evolution and the various different kinds are discussed below.
History of Lift Trucks
These powered industrial trucks, also referred to as forklifts and lift trucks, were invented and launched to the market during the late 19th century. Initially, these units were low lift trucks which were just capable of raising platforms several inches from the ground. Normally, these machines were used for transporting supplies within a store, like work-in-progress situations. During the latter part of 1910s, high lift trucks first emerged and enhancements in truck design began to take root from there. The tier trucks eventually developed and this allowed for better stacking of loads and storage efficiency.
There were extremely tough economic times throughout the 1930s. However, throughout this time, labor was freely available but capital for investment was increasingly more difficult to come by. This situation really slowed the growth of forklift usage.
During WWII, forklifts became a strategic part of the war effort. In that period, vast shortages in manpower occurred resulting from the wartime enlistment. It was discovered that its operator and the lift truck were extremely productive and can handle the work of numerous men. As the War progressed, numerous women operators filled the numerous demands. When the war was over, forklifts became a mainstay of the material handling industry. They were utilized a lot in the Pacific war efforts. Some of the leftover pallets and forklifts in Australia left behind by the U.S. Military became the basis for the CHEP or Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool, who today is referred to as the biggest pallet pooling company in the world.
Diesel/Gasoline
Diesel and gasoline engines have numerous benefits. They are always available all around the world; they are suitable for heavy duty workloads, they deliver consistent power throughout the shift and many drivers are quite familiar with the source of power.
A few of the main disadvantages of diesel and gasoline units comprise: they need a lot more maintenance compared to electric units, due to the emissions they release, they are not suitable to be utilized inside, there is some cost and difficulty connected to disposal of fluid and oil and they need a re-fueling station on-site if they are going to be in continuous use.