Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular type of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all around the globe.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower which ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like for example Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors in their factories. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and started selling them.
From a simple tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts changed in the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played an important 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 proved the need for the forklift in the material handling industry.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop when WWII ended. During the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made in the electronic controls area. This made forklifts a lot more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options like electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, LPG or liquid propane gas. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular type uses 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are roughly 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.