Since its introduction during the early 1920s, the forklift has become an invaluable piece of equipment found in numerous warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, amongst the pioneers of the very first forklift, has grown to become a leader within the material handling industry and still remains a top supplier. Other popular names in the manufacturing of these machines include: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
Hyster has grown to become one of the most popular units of lift trucks in the industry. In fact, in several places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Various other names for this industrial lifting equipment comprise: stacker truck, fork truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
It was during the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the forklift was initially made. At this time, battery-powered, small models were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, several different types were made within England specifically for use in the material handling industry. These equipment evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's machines come in many configurations and sizes. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift models and some of the larger equipment, whilst the smaller equipment consist of hand truck models. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles which are practically robotic in nature. These units were made as a means of lowering operational expenses and to improve productivity.
Attachments have been made to fit onto lots of common lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be internal combustion or IC units, running on diesel, gasoline or propane, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Typical warehouse units would normally be rated to lift between roughly 1 and 5 tons.
Since their evolution, forklifts have become a priceless component of the material handling industry. Many of these models are used each and every day all over the globe to perform tasks which used to need a lot more man-power. Operators need to take stringent training courses so as to run these heavy equipment legally and safely. Many workers have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift things by hand anymore as the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.