Ever since its introduction during the early 1920s, the lift truck has become an important piece of machinery found in many warehousing and industrial operations. Clark, one of the pioneers of the very first lift truck, has grown to become a leader in the material handling business and still remains a leading supplier. Other popular names in the making of these machinery consist of: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Cat, Hyster, Nissan and Yale.
The Hyster type of forklift has become one of the industries most popular manufacturers. The fact is, in some places, the word "Hyster" is synonymous with forklift. Other common names for this industrial lifting machinery consist of: jitney, high/low, lift truck, fork truck and stacker truck.
The ancestor of today's machines was first made in the early part of the 19th century. At this time, small, battery-powered models were invented for the purpose of transporting traveler's baggage in Pennsylvania at the Altoona train station. During WWI, several different versions were developed within England specifically for use in the material handling business. These machines evolved as a solution to the lack of manpower at that time.
Today's equipment come in various sizes and configurations. Sod loaders are large truck-mounted forklift models and some of the bigger machines, whereas the smaller equipment consist of hand truck units. There are also a line of automated versions known as forklift automated guided vehicles which are practically robotic in nature. These units were made as a means of lowering operational costs and to improve production.
Attachments have been made to fit onto many regular forklifts, giving them the capability of performing a wider selection of jobs. The motors could be internal combustion or IC models, running on diesel, gasoline or propane, 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 component in the material handling business. Thousands of these units are used on a daily basis throughout the world to complete jobs which used to need much more man-power. Operators should take stringent training programs so as to operate these heavy equipment safely and legally. Many workers have better health overall and longer careers now due to their not having to lift things by hand anymore because the forklifts can handle those situations now instead.