Forklift Truck Classification
Forklift trucks have been working its magic for about 100 years now. Even now, this piece of equipment is found in every warehouse operation all over the globe.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the construction of the first forklifts. Businesses like for instance Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling equipment that used powered lift tractors in their factories. During 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and started selling them.
It was in the 1920s that the design of forklifts changed from a basic tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment which was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more advanced with WWII. The forklift played a vital role during this time in the handling of materials for various armies all around the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the lift truck in the material handling business.
As soon as WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. During the 1950s, forklifts which use batteries made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced like for instance 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 much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
There are many options you can use to power a forklift today. These consist of electric battery, diesel, gasoline, compressed natural gas or CNG, liquid propane gas or LPG. The first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It presently runs on diesel battery and lithium ion. This particular kind consumes thirty nine percent less fuel than existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less compared to those forklift models that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.