Forklift Truck Classification
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even now, this piece of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all around the world.
Because of WWI, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the very first forklifts. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment which utilized powered lift tractors in their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machinery and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with the Second World War. The forklift played a key role during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that wooden pallets were introduced that proved the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
When World War II ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, forklifts that use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular kind was made by the Raymond Corporation. In 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.
There are many options you could utilize to power a forklift nowadays. These comprise electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This particular kind consumes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are approximately 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.