Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this particular type of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
Because of World War I, there were shortages of manpower that ed to the creation of the first forklifts. Companies like Yale & Town and Clark introduced the material handling machine that used powered lift tractors in their plants. In the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these machines and started selling them.
From a basic tractor with an attachment, the design of forklifts evolved during the 1920s, to a dedicated machinery equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with WWII. The forklift played a vital part during this time in the handling of materials for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet solidified the need for the forklift within the material handling business.
Lift trucks gained momentum and continued to develop as soon as World War II ended. In the 1950s, battery operated forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized forklift models introduced such as the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular model was made by the Raymond Corporation. In the 1960s and 1970s, improvements were made within the electronic controls area. This made forklifts much more versatile and businesses were able to look at warehouse efficiency.
Nowadays, the forklift can be powered by numerous fuel options like diesel, electrical battery, CNG or compressed natural gas, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It currently operates on lithium ion and diesel battery. This model utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics prove that its carbon dioxide emissions are around 14.6 tons less than those forklift models which are powered by IC or internal combustion engines.