Ever since its introduction in the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machinery found in many warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the very first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling industry and still remains a top supplier. Various other well-known names in the making of these machines consist of: Hyster, Nissan, Yale Cat, Toyota and Mitsubishi.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become one of the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in some regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Different other names for this industrial lifting machines consist of: stacker truck, fork truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
It was during the 19th century that the machinery ancestors of the lift truck was initially developed. At this time, battery-powered, small units were invented for the purpose of moving traveler's luggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. During WWI, various kinds were made in England specifically to be utilized in the material handling business. These machinery evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's machines come in many configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift models and some of the larger equipment, whereas the smaller machinery consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles that are basically robotic in nature. These models were developed to improve productivity and as a way of lowering operational costs.
Attachments have been made to fit onto a lot of regular forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors could be IC or internal combustion units, working on gasoline, propane or diesel, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Standard warehouse models will normally be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
Since their evolution, lift trucks have become a priceless part of the material handling industry. Thousands of these units are utilized on a daily basis all around the world to complete jobs which used to need much more man-power. Operators have to take stringent training programs in order to safely and legally operate these heavy equipment. Many workers have longer careers now and better overall health due to their not having to raise objects manually anymore since the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.