History of Forklifts
Forklift technology provides the capacity to transport heavy or bulky items easily across short distances. Forklifts are normally used in the daily operations of various kinds of businesses. Forklift design is always undergoing improvement as technology advances.
In the early 20th century, at the start of the industrial era within America, the forklift was invented. A company known as Clark manufactured the very first truck tracker in the year 1917. It was developed for use inside Clark's own plant, but when other people saw it they were impressed with this lifting equipment, even if it was only capable of carrying loads only a few centimeters off the ground. The next year, Clark began marketing the trucks widely.
The first kinds of forklifts were just the basics. By the year 1920, hydraulics was incorporated into the design. In 1923, Yale Baker developed an electric powered model with a pinion and ratchet system which cost a lot less to use. Pallets were developed as stackable surfaces on which to move materials. This permitted bigger loads to be moved.
To be able to deal with the increased demand, more businesses moved into the material handling industry in WWII. Companies, like for instance Hyster, went from manufacturing other types of machines to producing lift trucks. The U.S. Armed Forces increased demand for forklifts for the purpose of transporting military materials to the frontlines. The demand for longer lasting electric models resulted in the development of forklifts which can last for eight hours.
In the course of their history, forklifts have significantly changed. Industries around the globe need forklifts to reduce costs and increase production. Modern trucks are safer, more productive and more comfortable than their predecessors.