Ever since its introduction in the early 1920s, the forklift has become an important piece of equipment found in numerous warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling industry and still remains a top supplier. Other popular names in the making of these machinery comprise: Yale, Hyster, Nissan Mitsubishi, Cat and Toyota.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. As a matter of fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment comprise: stacker truck, fork truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
The ancestor of today's machines was first made in the early part of the 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered units were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During the First World War, various types were developed in England specifically to be utilized in the material handling business. These machinery evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's machinery come in various sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted lift truck models and several of the bigger machinery, while the smaller machines consist of hand truck units. 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 productivity and as a means of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto lots of common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be IC or internal combustion units, working on diesel, gasoline or propane, or there are battery operated options which 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 within the material handling industry. Many of these units are utilized every day throughout the world to complete tasks which used to require a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to safely and legally operate these heavy machines. Numerous employees have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to lift items manually anymore since the forklifts can handle those situations now instead.