Classification of Forklift Trucks
For less than a century, the forklift truck has been working its magic. Even today, this piece of equipment is found in each and every warehouse operation throughout the globe.
The very first forklifts were built as a result of manpower shortages which were caused by WWI. Companies like Clark and Yale & Town introduced the material handling machine which used powered lift tractors inside their factories. During the year 1918, Clark saw the potential for these equipment and began selling them.
It was during the 1920s that the forklift design changed from a tractor with an attachment to a dedicated equipment that was equipped with a vertical lifting mast. The forklift developed and became more sophisticated with World War II. The forklift played an important part during this time in the handling of supplies for various armies throughout the world. It was also during this time that the introduction of the wooden pallet proved the need for the lift truck within the material handling industry.
Once WWII ended, the forklift gained momentum and continued to develop. In the 1950s, battery driven forklifts made an appearance. There were other more specialized types of forklifts introduced like for example the Narrow Aisle Reach truck. This particular 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.
Today, the forklift can be powered by various fuel options like electric battery, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, gasoline, LPG or liquid propane gas. The very first hybrid forklift was developed by Mitsubishi. It now runs on lithium ion and diesel battery. This model utilizes 39% less fuel compared to existing models. Statistics show that its carbon dioxide emissions are about 14.6 tons less than those types of forklifts that are powered by internal combustion or IC engines.