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 lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a top supplier. Other popular names in the making of these machines include: Yale, Hyster, Nissan Cat, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become amongst the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment comprise: lift truck, jitney, high/low, fork truck and stacker truck.
It was in the 19th century that the machine ancestors of the lift truck was first made. At this time, small, battery-powered models were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In the First World War, some different versions were developed in England particularly to be used 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 variety of configurations and sizes. There are the large truck-mounted lift truck models that are also known as sod loaders and then the opposite end of the spectrum has small hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles that are basically robotic in nature. These units were made as a way of lowering operational costs and to improve productivity.
Attachments have been made to fit onto a lot of regular forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors can be IC or internal combustion models, working on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Standard warehouse units would normally be rated to lift between about 1 and 5 tons.
Since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless component of the material handling industry. Thousands of these units are utilized on a daily basis all around the globe to complete jobs which used to require a lot more man-power. Operators need to take stringent training programs in order to legally and safely operate these heavy equipment. Many employees have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to lift items by hand anymore as the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.