Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of machine found in many industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, one of the pioneers of the very first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a top supplier. Various other popular names in the manufacturing of these machinery consist of: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Nissan, Yale and Hyster.
Hyster has grown to become amongst the most popular units of lift trucks in the business. The truth is, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Various other names for this industrial lifting machines 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 developed. At this time, battery-powered, small units were invented for the purpose of moving traveler's baggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. In WWI, some different types were developed in England specially for use in the material handling business. These machines evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machines come in various configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift units and some of the larger machinery, whereas the smaller machinery consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known 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 a lot of common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors can be internal combustion or IC models, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Typical warehouse models would usually be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
Since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless component of the material handling business. Thousands of these models are utilized each and every day all over the globe to complete tasks which used to require a lot more man-power. Operators have to take stringent training courses so as to legally and safely run these heavy equipment. Many workers have better overall health and longer careers now due to their not having to lift things manually anymore because the forklifts can handle those situations now instead.