Since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable 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 business and still remains a leading supplier. Different other popular names in the making of these equipment include: Hyster, Nissan, Yale Toyota, Mitsubishi and Cat.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. The fact is, in some regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Different other names for this industrial lifting equipment include: high/low, lift truck, jitney, fork truck and stacker truck.
The ancestor of today's machines was first made during the early 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered models were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In the First World War, several different kinds were developed in England specially to be used in the material handling business. These machinery evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's equipment come in many sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted forklift models and some of the larger equipment, whilst the smaller equipment consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles that are basically robotic in nature. These models were made as a means of lowering operational expenses and to improve productivity.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous regular forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, running on diesel, gasoline or propane, or there are battery operated options which need regular charging. Standard warehouse units would normally be rated to lift between around 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless component in the material handling business. Many of these models are used each day all around the world to perform tasks which used to need a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training courses in order to legally and safely run these heavy equipment. Many employees have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift items manually anymore as the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.