Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an important piece of machinery found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, one of the pioneers of the first lift truck, has grown to become a leader within the material handling industry and still remains a top supplier. Other well-known names in the making of these machines comprise: Hyster, Nissan, Yale Toyota, Mitsubishi and Cat.
The Hyster brand of lift truck has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in some regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment comprise: jitney, high/low, lift truck, fork truck and stacker truck.
The ancestor of today's equipment was initially made during the early 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered models were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In WWI, various kinds were made in England specifically to be used in the material handling business. These machines evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's machinery come in many configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted forklift units and several of the bigger machinery, whilst the smaller machinery consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles that are practically robotic in nature. These models were developed as a means of lowering operational expenses and to improve production.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous regular lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors can be IC or internal combustion models, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options which need regular charging. Typical warehouse units will usually be rated to raise between around 1 and 5 tons.
Ever since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless part of the material handling industry. Thousands of these models are utilized every day throughout the globe to complete jobs which used to require much more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to operate these heavy machines legally and safely. Lots of employees have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to raise objects by hand anymore as the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.