Since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an important piece of machine found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, among the pioneers of the first lift truck, has grown to become a leader within the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Different other well-known names in the manufacturing of these machines comprise: Yale, Hyster, Nissan Cat, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Hyster has grown to become one of the most popular units of forklifts within the industry. In fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machinery comprise: lift truck, jitney, high/low, fork truck and stacker truck.
It was in the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the forklift was first made. At this time, battery-powered, small models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, various types were made in England specially to be utilized in the material handling industry. These machines evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
The modern equivalents come in a range of sizes and configurations. There are the large truck-mounted forklift models which are also called sod loaders and then the opposite end of the spectrum has small hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles which are basically robotic in nature. These models were developed to improve productivity and as a way of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous regular lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors could be IC or internal combustion units, working on gasoline, propane or diesel, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Typical warehouse models would normally be rated to raise between about 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless component in the material handling industry. Many of these units are utilized on a daily basis all around the globe to perform jobs that used to require much more man-power. Operators should take stringent training courses in order to run these heavy equipment legally and safely. Numerous employees have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift things manually anymore as the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.