It was during the beginning of the 20th Century when the very first forklifts were introduced. These equipment during the past 90 plus years has revolutionized the material handling business and even the recycling industry. The factors for safe utilization, the lift truck's evolution and the various different types are discussed below.
History of Lift Trucks
Powered industrial trucks are also referred to as lift trucks and forklifts, were originally launched and created during the latter part of the 19th Century. These first units were low lift trucks that were capable of raising platforms only several inches high. Generally, these machinery were used for transporting material within a store, like work-in-progress situations. In the latter part of 1910s, high lift trucks first emerged and truck design enhancements began to take root from there. The tier trucks eventually developed and this allowed for greater storage effectiveness and stacking of loads.
During the 1930s, there were some extremely hard economic times. Then again, during this specific time, labor was freely available but capital for investment was increasingly harder to come by. This situation really slowed the growth of forklift usage.
Forklifts became a really strategic part of the World War II war effort since the vast shortages in manpower in that time occurred as a resulting of enlistment of thousands of men. It was found that a forklift and its driver could deal with the work of numerous men and were very productive. As the War continued, lots of women operators filled the numerous demands. By the time the war was over, forklifts became a mainstay of the material handling business. They were used a lot in the Pacific war efforts. Some of the leftover pallets and lift trucks in Australia left behind by the U.S. Military became the basis for the CHEP or Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool, who today is known as the biggest pallet pooling business in the globe.
Gasoline/Diesel
There are many advantages to using a diesel or gas powered engine. They are readily available all over the globe; they deliver consistent power throughout the shift, they are suitable for heavy duty workloads and many drivers are quite familiar with the source of power.
A few of the main disadvantages of diesel and gasoline models comprise: they require much more maintenance compared to electric versions, due to the emissions they release, they are not suitable to be utilized indoors, there is some difficulty and cost associated to fluid and oil disposal and they need a re-fueling post on-site if they are going to be in continuous use.