Forklift Truck Classification
For little under a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this kind of machine is found in each and every warehouse operation all over the globe.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that resulted in the creation of the very first forklifts. Businesses like for instance Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors in their factories. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started 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 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 during this time that wooden pallets were introduced which proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling business.
Forklifts gained momentum and continued to develop when WWII ended. In the 1950s, forklifts that utilize batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for example 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 businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by various fuel options such as electric battery, diesel, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular model consumes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those types of forklifts that are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.