Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the lift truck has become an invaluable piece of machine found in many warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, among the pioneers of the very first forklift, has grown to become a leader within the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these machinery consist of: Yale, Hyster, Nissan Toyota, Mitsubishi and Cat.
Hyster has grown to become among the most popular models of forklifts in the industry. In fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment include: stacker truck, fork truck, high/low, lift truck and jitney.
The ancestor of today's equipment was first made during the early 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered units were made for the purpose of moving traveler's baggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In WWI, some different types were developed within England specifically to be utilized in the material handling industry. These equipment evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machinery come in various configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted lift truck models and several of the bigger equipment, whilst the smaller machinery consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles that are basically robotic in nature. These units were made to improve productivity and as a way of lowering operational costs.
Attachments have been made to fit onto many common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC models, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options which require regular charging. Standard warehouse models would usually be rated to raise between about 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless component within the material handling business. Many of these models are used on a daily basis throughout the globe to complete tasks that used to need much more man-power. Operators must take stringent training courses in order to operate these heavy equipment legally and safely. Lots of workers have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift things manually anymore as the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.