Since its introduction in the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machine found in many warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, among the pioneers of the first forklift, has grown to become a leader within the material handling industry and still remains a leading supplier. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these machinery consist of: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cat, Yale, Hyster and Nissan.
Hyster has grown to become one of the most popular models of lift trucks in the business. As a matter of fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment consist of: stacker truck, fork truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
It was in the 19th century that the machine ancestors of the lift truck was first developed. At this time, battery-powered, small units were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. In the First World War, several different types were made in England particularly for use in the material handling business. These machines evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's equipment come in numerous sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted forklift models and several of the larger equipment, while the smaller equipment consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles which are basically robotic in nature. These units were made as a means of lowering operational expenses and to improve production.
A common lift truck is able to use a wide range of attachments which are capable of being added for a variety of specific functions. The motors can be IC or internal combustion units, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Typical warehouse units will normally be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
Ever since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless component of the material handling business. Many of these models are utilized every day all over the globe to perform jobs that used to need a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to legally and safely run these heavy machines. Many workers have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to raise items by hand anymore because the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.