The forklift has become such an important piece of equipment found and used in most warehousing and industrial operations, ever since its introduction to the market more than 90 years ago during the 1920's. One of the forklift's pioneers, Clark has grown to become an industry leading supplier in the material handling industry. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these machines include: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
The Hyster brand 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 machinery comprise: stacker truck, fork truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
It was in the 19th century that the machinery ancestors of the lift truck was first developed. At this time, small, battery-powered models were made for the purpose of moving traveler's baggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, several different kinds were developed within England specifically for use in the material handling industry. These machines evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's machines come in many configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted lift truck units and several of the larger machinery, whereas the smaller machines consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles which are practically robotic in nature. These models were developed as a way of lowering operational costs and to improve production.
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 IC or internal combustion models, running on gasoline, propane or diesel, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Standard warehouse models would usually be rated to lift between about 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless part within the material handling business. Many of these units are utilized every day throughout the globe to perform tasks that used to require a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training courses so as to safely and legally run these heavy machinery. Lots of employees have better overall health and longer careers now due to their not having to raise items by hand anymore since the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.