The lift truck has become such an invaluable piece of machine found and utilized in most warehousing and industrial operations, ever since its introduction to the market more than 90 years ago during the 1920's. One of the forklift's pioneers, Clark has grown to become an industry top supplier in the material handling business. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these equipment consist of: Hyster, Nissan, Yale Toyota, Mitsubishi and Cat.
Hyster has grown to become one of the most popular models of forklifts within the industry. As a matter of fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machinery comprise: jitney, high/low, lift truck, stacker truck and fork truck.
It was during the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the lift truck was initially developed. At this time, battery-powered, small models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage at the Altoona train station within Pennsylvania. During WWI, various types were developed within England particularly for use in the material handling industry. These equipment evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
The modern equivalents come in a variety of configurations and sizes. There are the big truck-mounted forklift models that are also called sod loaders and then the opposite end of the spectrum has small hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles which are basically robotic in nature. These units were developed to improve production and as a means of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto lots of common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, running on gasoline, propane or diesel, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Typical warehouse models would usually be rated to lift between roughly 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless part within the material handling business. Many of these models are utilized on a daily basis all around the globe to complete tasks that used to need much more man-power. Operators need to take stringent training programs in order to operate these heavy machines legally and safely. Many workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to lift things by hand anymore because the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.