From tructractor to forklift
The lift truck, also known as the forklift, is likely one of the most
important, yet, often disregarded industrial advancements. This machine
is extremely practical for moving goods over short distances. The
forklift has greatly evolved since the early days of chains and winches.
Innovations in technology and the need for increased efficiency during
WWII as well as the arrival of the shipping pallet greatly influenced
the development of the forklift.
The first forklifts
In the late 1800s, chains and winches were used in order to handle
heavy items. From these hoists, wooden platform trucks appeared at the
turn of the 20th century. It was not long until these wooden trucks had
built-in electric trailers and traction batteries.
The first electric lift truck is considered to be a crane with a power
lifting mechanism that was designed to aid in the war effort of WWI.
The CLARK Equipment Company is credited with pioneering the first “fork
lift truck” in 1917. These fork lift trucks, known as “Tructractors”,
looked more like a tractor with a platform that was loaded and unloaded
manually. During the 1920s, these “Tructractors” evolved into machines
with hydraulic power to lift vertically. These early lift trucks could
raise wooden crates a few inches off the ground and required the use of
chains and muscle power. Even with limited lifting capacity, this
machinery made freight moving more efficient.
In 1923, the first electric truck with a vertical mast and raising
forks was launched by Yale. The lifting mechanism worked with a ratchet
and pinion system.
Influence of the shipping pallet
It was not until the development of standardized shipping pallets in
the late 1930s that the new forklifts surged in popularity. The arrival
of the wood pallet enabled loads to be stacked uniformly which lead to
further improvements of the forklift.
World War II
Yet another cause for the innovation of the forklift was World War II.
More efficient methods of moving wood shipping pallets were needed to
support the war effort and, as well, to compensate for the lack of
manpower. The use of wooden pallets and the forklift were essential in
getting supplies to the frontlines.
Increased Efficiency
Post war saw many companies seeking to be more efficient. By the 1950s,
it was clear that storage methods needed to change and many warehouses
were expanded vertically. More powerful and manoeuvrable forklifts were
needed to enable wood pallets and crates to be stacked higher and in
closer proximity. New forklifts could work in tighter spaces and lift
loaded pallets 50 feet above the ground.
Throughout the 1960s, the forklift continued to evolve with the arrival
of new technology. By the late 1960’s, forklifts were equipped with
sophisticated electronic controls.
Safety Concerns
The ability to lift wooden pallets caused legitimate safety concerns
for the operators. Operator cages were introduced in the late 1950s and
early 1960s. Forklift safety remains a key engineering issue. Balancing
technology is constantly applied in order to prevent tipping.
Forklifts are a far cry from the “Tructractors” of the 1920s. Today’s
forklifts are ergonomically and technologically designed to increase
productivity, efficiency and handling of shipping pallets throughout the
world. L.C.N. inc. is a wood pallet manufacturer that uses knowledge
and expertise acquired from more than 50 years of manufacturing several
million wood pallets and wooden crates. Contact L.C.N. inc. for your
shipping pallet and wood crate needs.
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