Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the lift truck has become an invaluable piece of machine found in many industrial operations and warehousing. Clark, one of the pioneers of the first forklift, has grown to become a leader within the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Different other well-known names in the manufacturing of these machines include: Mitsubishi, Cat, Toyota, Nissan, Yale and Hyster.
The Hyster type of lift truck has become one of the industries most popular manufacturers. In fact, in several regions, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machines comprise: fork truck, stacker truck, jitney, high/low and lift truck.
It was during the 19th century that the equipment ancestors of the lift truck was initially made. At this time, small, battery-powered models were made for the purpose of transporting traveler's luggage at the Altoona train station in Pennsylvania. In the First World War, various kinds were developed within England particularly to be used in the material handling business. These equipment evolved as a solution to the manpower shortage at that time.
Today's equipment come in many sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are big truck-mounted lift truck models and several of the larger equipment, whereas the smaller machinery consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions referred to as forklift automated guided vehicles that are basically robotic in nature. These units were developed as a means of lowering operational costs and to improve production.
Attachments have been made to fit onto numerous common forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors could be internal combustion or IC units, working on diesel, gasoline or propane, or there are battery operated options that need regular charging. Typical warehouse units will usually be rated to raise between around 1 and 5 tons.
The lift truck has become a priceless component within the material handling business. Thousands of these units are used on a daily basis all over the globe to perform jobs which used to need much more man-power. Operators must take stringent training courses so as to operate these heavy machinery safely and legally. Numerous workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to raise objects by hand anymore as the forklifts could handle those situations now instead.