The lift truck has been around ever since the early 1920's. This type of machine was developed in the 1920s and since its invention, has become among the most of the indispensable pieces of warehousing and manufacturing equipment within the world.
Sometimes called lift trucks, amongst their initial uses was lifting and transporting baggage at airports and train stations. Throughout WWII the use of these machinery exploded and the warehousing industry expanded significantly. The conventional machinery was adapted to handle the need to stack inventory on higher shelves and they were made to move faster and lift heavier loads.
The forklift is most commonly used for stacking inventory in warehouses. Things for the most part are packed onto pallets which are made particularly to allow the forks to move underneath the openings of the pallets. The forklift could then carry the goods securely without it falling into the ground or wobbling. Once the pallets are in place, they can be easily transported to a different location. Lift trucks are also used much in the mining, agricultural, docking and shipping industry.
The forklift is also seen on constructions locations, because numerous models have been made to pick up large heavy boxes and concrete slabs, heavy pipes, other equipment and ceramics. Since it is quite a compact unit, this particular machinery is able to move from one location to a different place at a fairly good speed.
The dimensions of the forklift differ depending on the unit and its particular use. For warehousing applications, there are the narrow aisle truck models. These are quite a bit smaller in size and need the floor to be extremely flat. Typically, they are made with rear wheel steering. There has been a dramatic increase in these equipment in the mining and manufacturing equipment businesses. Because forklifts usually deal with pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals and flammable materials, the machines have become more durable and tougher.
Forklifts have a load capacity ranging from 1 to 5 tons. There are heavy-duty units that can handle up to 50 tons. These units are usually used to load shipping equipment onto and off of ships. Lift trucks and their required training to operate are specially regulated to ensure the safety of the people utilizing this specific equipment. No body can use them legally without finishing the correct documents and training.