Forklifts in competition. We are all familiar with the evolution of forklift performance: from hoist to container lift; from simple and uncertain vehicles to comfortable and safe vehicles. However, not everyone knows that forklifts also compete in real races of speed and dexterity. Read our article to learn more!
Forklifts…in competition: the origins and evolution of the forklift truck
By now we all know the history of the first forklift, which has been already discussed in a previous article.
It was Eugene Clark in the 1920s who invented the forklift, which quickly spread around the world at the same time with the pallet after World War II.
A means, a vehicle, an essential tool for work in a wide variety of fields. Since that time the evolution of the forklift has never stopped.
Forklifts, a constant evolution
Over the years, there have been many applications of the latest technologies on forklifts. From basic performance in the beginning, there has been a move to increasingly complex and peculiar performance; starting from easy and simple forklifts, there have been increasingly comfortable and ergonomic vehicles over time.
But perhaps the greatest and most exciting steps have occurred in the field of safety: modern on-board electronics include a multifunction display where basic information (state of charge, operating mode, hours of operation, date and time, etc.) and technical information are displayed.
Some examples of these implementations are the application of a protective cabin for the driver’s compartment, the abolition of the manual transmission in favor of automatic transmission and the use of power steering and the applications of electronics capable of overseeing the main operations are from recent times.
Moreover, the count of latest generation devices for signaling obstacles, pedestrians, operating gate openings, recording actions, and automating is incredibly consistent. All these devices are meant to promote and enhance the safety of construction site handling.
Forklifts…competing for the Olympics
Those who know about forklifts are already familiar with this news. In fact, we remembered them because they represent the premise of what we want to tell you, which is closely related to SAFETY itself.
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Let’s take a time jump: we are at the 2012 London Olympics: Charlotte, North Carolina, provides the perfect environment for the U.S. and Canadian Olympic trials for the canoe slalom in April. TV commercials start, billboards rise with sponsors courting America’s Olympic champions, as London prepares to take the main stage on the world sports scene for the summer.
As many as 204 countries and territories will cheer on their athletes and teams. While Usain Bolt is warming up his muscles, someone else is warming up his engines: it’s the forklift drivers…but how is that possible? That’s right, at the 2012 London Olympics, “forklift drivers” are training to make their debut at the Olympic Games. Where?
In Dallas, Texas, those working in the forklift world organize their own version of the Games: the 200-meter Forklift Drag Race. Traffic cones become the lane lines, drivers “warm up” their favorite forklift by choosing it from the warehouse fleet, and off they go…set off at a jaw-dropping 10 mph!
Videos immediately spread on YouTube: incredulous viewers could see Erik’s Hyster “beaten up by the old Mitsubishi” in the middle of a parking lot. With this performance, the forklift brand should seriously consider sponsorship for the Olympics.
Forklifts in competition: typologies
What types of forklifts are they? Forklift companies produce both internal combustion forklifts and electric ones. Given that diesel forklifts are built for speed and endurance, they are the favorites for endurance racing, compared to gas or propane ones.
Unfortunately, stories don’t always end as they should: in 2012 the International Olympic Committee approved two new sports, mixed doubles tennis and women’s boxing, but not the Forklift Rally! 🥺
Despite the motivation and self-sacrifice of forklift drivers from Texas, their “sport” will not be accepted. Of course, seeing Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, breaking yet another world record for the 100-meter must have been a great thrill for the crowd, but would you compare it with a forklift race to the last fork, amidst obstacles and setbacks? ☺
Unfortunately, the race could not be held but it doesn’t really matter: nothing can stop the Forklift Racers. They were not discouraged and continued to practice agile turns around those barrels, confident that their dream for Olympic glory will soon become true!
Fun, culture, safety
Fun and safety are the basis of forklifts competitions that over the years have taken place in Italy as well.
In some Italian forklift companies, therefore, the idea of organizing real Grand Prix was born, precisely to spread the culture of safety to operators through “sports” events that involves and excites! 😀
These competitions are held in compliance with current government ministerial regulations so that safety is guaranteed during the event.
Working with material handling equipment creates an environment with a high risk of injury. In this regard, Tamarri S.r.l, firmly believes that the productivity of a warehouse begins first and foremost with safety. Our aim is therefore to make operators aware of the risks of driving a forklift and to show them how to drive these beautiful machines properly.
In addition to training, there is technology. Therefore, the company in recent years has distinguished itself in the design and manufacture of safety devices.
Safety is our vocation!!! 😉