Since its introduction in the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of equipment found in numerous industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, among the pioneers of the very first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling industry and still remains a leading supplier. Other well-known names in the manufacturing of these equipment comprise: Hyster, Nissan, Yale Mitsubishi, Cat and Toyota.
The Hyster brand of forklift has become amongst the industries most popular manufacturers. As a matter of fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Different other names for this industrial lifting machinery consist of: high/low, lift truck, jitney, fork truck and stacker truck.
It was during the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the forklift was first developed. At this time, battery-powered, small units were made for the purpose of moving traveler's baggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. During the First World War, several different kinds were developed in England specially for use in the material handling industry. These machinery evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machinery come in numerous sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift units and several of the larger machinery, while the smaller machinery consist of hand truck units. 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 way of lowering operational costs and to improve productivity.
Attachments have been made to fit onto a lot of common lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors could be IC or internal combustion units, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Standard warehouse units will usually be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
Ever since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless component of the material handling industry. Many of these models are used each and every day all around the globe to complete jobs which used to need much more man-power. Operators must take stringent training courses in order to run these heavy equipment safely and legally. Many employees have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to raise objects by hand anymore since the forklifts can handle those situations now instead.