Since its introduction during the early 1920s, the lift truck has become an invaluable piece of machine found in many warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the first forklift, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a top supplier. Other well-known names in the making of these machines comprise: Nissan, Yale, Hyster Mitsubishi, Cat and Toyota.
The Hyster type of forklift has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machines comprise: lift truck, jitney, high/low, stacker truck and fork truck.
It was in the 19th century that the machine ancestors of the forklift was first made. At this time, battery-powered, small units were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage at the Altoona train station within Pennsylvania. During WWI, several different kinds were developed in England particularly to be utilized in the material handling business. These machines evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machines come in various configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted lift truck units and some of the larger machinery, whilst the smaller equipment consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles that are practically robotic in nature. These units were developed as a means of lowering operational costs and to improve production.
Attachments have been made to fit onto many common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be IC or internal combustion units, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Standard warehouse units would normally be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless component in the material handling business. Thousands of these units are used every day throughout the world to complete jobs that used to require a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to legally and safely run these heavy equipment. A lot of workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to raise items by hand anymore because the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.