Classification of Forklift Trucks
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this type of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all around the globe.
The first forklifts were made because of manpower shortages that were caused by World War I. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated machinery that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played an essential part during this time in the handling of materials for different armies throughout the globe. It was also at this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for instance the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This kind 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 companies were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Today, the forklift could be powered by various fuel options such as diesel, electrical battery, gasoline, CNG or compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This type consumes 39 percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.