Classification of Forklift Trucks
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for roughly 100 years now. Even now, this particular piece of machinery is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the world.
The very first forklifts were built because of manpower shortages that were caused by WWI. Businesses like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that utilized powered lift tractors inside their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated equipment 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 at this time that wooden pallets were introduced that solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling industry.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. In the 1950s, forklifts which utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are numerous options you could use to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This kind uses 39% less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.