Since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machinery found in numerous warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, one of the pioneers of the first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Other well-known names in the making of these machinery include: Cat, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Yale, Hyster and Nissan.
Hyster has grown to become among the most popular models of forklifts in the industry. The truth is, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Various other names for this industrial lifting machinery consist of: jitney, high/low, lift truck, fork truck and stacker truck.
The ancestor of today's machines was initially developed in the early 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered units were invented for the purpose of moving traveler's luggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In WWI, some different kinds were made in England specifically for use in the material handling business. These equipment evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machinery come in numerous configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift models and several of the larger equipment, while the smaller equipment consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles that are practically robotic in nature. These units were made to improve production and as a way of lowering operational costs.
Attachments have been made to fit onto lots of regular lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options which need regular charging. Standard warehouse models would usually be rated to lift between around 1 and 5 tons.
Ever since their evolution, lift trucks have become a priceless part of the material handling industry. Many of these models are utilized on a daily basis throughout the globe to complete tasks which used to require a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to legally and safely operate these heavy machinery. Numerous workers have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to raise objects manually anymore since the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.