Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machinery found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the very first forklift, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Other well-known names in the manufacturing of these equipment comprise: Yale, Hyster, Nissan Toyota, Mitsubishi and Cat.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. As a matter of fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment consist of: lift truck, jitney, high/low, stacker truck and fork truck.
It was in the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the lift truck was initially made. At this time, small, battery-powered units were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, several different types were made within England specially for use in the material handling industry. These equipment evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's equipment come in various configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift models and some of the larger machines, while 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 units were developed to improve production and as a means of lowering operational costs.
Attachments have been made to fit onto many regular forklifts, 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 need regular charging. Standard warehouse models will normally be rated to lift between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless part within the material handling business. Many of these models are utilized on a daily basis all over the globe to perform jobs which used to need much more man-power. Operators need to take stringent training courses so as to legally and safely operate these heavy machinery. Lots of workers have better overall health and longer careers now due to their not having to lift items manually anymore since the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.