The forklift has become such an important piece of machine found and utilized in most industrial operations and warehousing, ever since its introduction to the market more than 90 years ago during the 1920's. Amongst the forklift's pioneers, Clark has grown to become an industry leading supplier in the material handling industry. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these machines comprise: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Nissan, Yale and Hyster.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become amongst the industries most popular manufacturers. The fact is, in some places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting equipment comprise: stacker truck, fork truck, high/low, lift truck and jitney.
It was during the 19th century that the machinery ancestors of the lift truck was initially made. At this time, battery-powered, small models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In the First World War, several different versions were developed in England particularly for use in the material handling business. These machinery evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machinery come in many configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted forklift models and some of the larger equipment, whereas the smaller equipment consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles which are practically robotic in nature. These models were developed to improve productivity and as a way of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors could 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 will normally be rated to raise between around 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless component in the material handling business. Many of these models are used each day throughout the world to perform jobs that used to need much more man-power. Operators should take stringent training courses in order to run these heavy machines safely and legally. Lots of workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to raise things by hand anymore because the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.