Ever since its introduction in the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machine found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, among the pioneers of the first forklift, has grown to become a leader within the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Various other popular names in the manufacturing of these machinery include: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cat, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
The Hyster brand of lift truck has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machinery include: lift truck, jitney, high/low, stacker truck and fork truck.
The ancestor of today's equipment was initially developed in the early 19th century. At this time, battery-powered, small models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In the First World War, several different kinds were developed within England specifically to be used in the material handling industry. These machinery evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's equipment come in numerous sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted lift truck units and several of the bigger machines, while the smaller equipment consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles that are practically robotic in nature. These models were developed as a means of lowering operational costs and to improve productivity.
Attachments have been made to fit onto many regular lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options which require regular charging. Typical warehouse units will usually be rated to lift between roughly 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless component within the material handling industry. Thousands of these models are utilized every day throughout the globe to complete jobs that used to require much more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs in order to operate these heavy machinery safely and legally. A lot of workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to raise things manually anymore because the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.