The forklift has been around ever since the early part of the 1920's. This type of equipment was developed in the 1920s and since its invention, has become one of the most of the indispensable pieces of manufacturing and warehousing machines within the globe.
Sometimes referred to as forklifts, among their initial uses was lifting and moving baggage at train stations and airports. Throughout WWII using these equipment exploded and the warehousing industry expanded greatly. The traditional machinery was adapted to handle the need to stack inventory on higher shelves and they were designed to move faster and lift heavier loads.
The lift truck is most commonly utilized for stacking inventory in warehouses. Objects for the most part are packed onto pallets that are made particularly to enable the forks to move beneath the openings of the pallets. The lift truck can then securely carry the load without it falling into the ground or wobbling. Once the pallets are in position, they could be easily transported to another place. Lift trucks are also used much within the shipping, docking, mining and agricultural business.
Forklifts are usually seen on construction locations. The manufacturers of these equipment make them to lift large heavy boxes and heavy pipes, concrete slabs, other equipment and ceramics. As it is quite a compact unit, this equipment could move from one location to another at a moderately good speed.
Depending upon the specific unit and its intended application, the forklifts dimensions could vary. There are narrow aisle units particularly for warehouse use. These are quite a bit smaller in size and require the floor to be very flat. Normally, they are made with rear wheel steering. There has been a significant increase in these equipment in the manufacturing and mining machine businesses. Because lift trucks usually deal with flammable materials, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, the equipment have become stronger and more robust.
The forklifts may have load capacities from 1 to as many as 5 tons. Some heavy duty models have been made to handle as many as 50 tons. These units are usually used to load shipping equipment off of and into ships. Forklifts and their required training to operate are specially regulated to ensure the safety of the individuals using this particular machine. No body is able to legally use them without completing the correct training and documents.