Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machinery found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the first lift truck, has grown to become a leader within the material handling business and still remains a top supplier. Different other popular names in the manufacturing of these equipment consist of: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cat, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
The Hyster brand of forklift has become one of the industries most popular manufacturers. The fact is, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Different other names for this industrial lifting equipment consist of: lift truck, jitney, high/low, fork truck and stacker truck.
It was in the 19th century that the machinery ancestors of the lift truck was first developed. At this time, battery-powered, small units were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, several different versions were made within England particularly for use in the material handling industry. These machines evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's machines come in numerous configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted lift truck models and some of the bigger equipment, while the smaller machines consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles which are basically robotic in nature. These models were made to improve production and as a means of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, working on gasoline, propane or diesel, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Typical warehouse units will normally be rated to raise between roughly 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless part in the material handling business. Many of these units are utilized on a daily basis all around the world to perform jobs that used to require a lot more man-power. Operators must take stringent training programs in order to safely and legally run these heavy equipment. Lots of employees have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to lift items manually anymore as the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.