The lift truck has become such an invaluable piece of equipment found and used in most warehousing and industrial operations, since its introduction to the market more than 90 years ago during the 1920's. Amongst the forklift's pioneers, Clark has grown to become an industry leading supplier in the material handling industry. Different other popular names in the manufacturing of these machinery include: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cat, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
The Hyster brand of forklift has become among the industries most popular manufacturers. The fact is, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Different other names for this industrial lifting machines consist of: jitney, high/low, lift truck, stacker truck and fork truck.
It was during the 19th century that the machine ancestors of the forklift was initially made. At this time, battery-powered, small models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage within Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. In WWI, various versions were made in England specially for use in the material handling industry. These machines evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
The modern equivalents come in a range of configurations and sizes. There are the big truck-mounted forklift units which are also referred to as 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 practically robotic in nature. These models were made to improve production and as a means of lowering operational expenses.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous regular lift trucks, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of tasks. The motors can be IC or internal combustion units, running on diesel, gasoline or propane, or there are battery operated options that require regular charging. Standard warehouse models will normally be rated to lift between about 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless part within the material handling industry. Thousands of these models are used on a daily basis throughout the globe to complete tasks that used to require a lot more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to legally and safely run these heavy equipment. Numerous employees have longer careers now and better health overall due to their not having to lift things manually anymore because the forklifts are capable of handling those situations now instead.