It was during the start of the 20th Century when the very first forklifts were launched. These equipment during the past 90 plus years has changed the material handling business and even the recycling business. The considerations for safe operation, 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 forklifts and lift trucks, were originally launched and invented during the latter part of the 19th Century. These initial units were low lift trucks which could raise platforms just a few inches from the ground. Usually, these types of machinery were used for moving material within a shop, 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 ultimately evolved and this allowed for greater stacking of loads and storage effectiveness.
During the 1930s, there were some really difficult economic times. Then again, throughout this particular time, labor was freely available but money for investment was more and more difficult to come by. This situation significantly slowed the growth of lift truck usage.
Lift trucks became a really strategic part of the WWII 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 operator can handle the work of numerous men and were very productive. As the War continued, lots of women drivers filled the many demands. When the war was over, forklifts became a mainstay of the material handling industry. They were utilized a lot in the Pacific war efforts. A few 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 company in the world.
Diesel/Gasoline
Diesel and gasoline engines have numerous benefits. They are readily available all over the world; 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.
Some of the main drawbacks of gasoline and diesel models include: they require a lot more maintenance compared to electric versions, due to the emissions they release, they are not appropriate for indoor applications, there is some cost and difficulty associated to oil and fluid disposal and they need a re-fueling post on-site if they are going to be used always.