The lift truck has become such an invaluable piece of machinery found and utilized in most industrial operations and warehousing, ever since its introduction to the market more than 90 years ago in the 1920's. Amongst the forklift's pioneers, Clark has grown to become an industry top supplier in the material handling industry. Different other well-known names in the manufacturing of these equipment include: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Nissan, Yale and Hyster.
Hyster has grown to become among the most popular models of lift trucks within the industry. In fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machines include: lift truck, jitney, high/low, stacker truck and fork truck.
The ancestor of today's machinery was first developed during the early 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered units were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. In WWI, various kinds were made within England specifically for use in the material handling industry. These machinery evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's equipment come in numerous sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted forklift units and some of the bigger machines, whereas the smaller machines consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles which are basically robotic in nature. These units were made to improve productivity and as a means of lowering operational costs.
Attachments have been made to fit onto lots of common lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors could be internal combustion or IC models, running on propane, diesel or gasoline, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Standard warehouse units will usually be rated to raise between approximately 1 and 5 tons.
The forklift has become a priceless part within the material handling industry. Many of these units are used each and every day all over the world to complete tasks that used to require a lot more man-power. Operators need to take stringent training courses so as to legally and safely run these heavy machines. Numerous workers have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift objects manually anymore as the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.