Forklift trucks are so common in manufacturing that their brilliance is often overlooked. The forklift truck has a rich and long history that dates back to almost 100 years. Like most inventions the forklift truck was born out of necessity. The forklift truck was the answer to the need of manufacturing warehouses around the world who were desperately trying to find an efficient way to transport freight.
Clark Equipment Company, founded in 1917, is widely credited for being the company that influenced the modern forklift truck. The Clark Tructractors were called ‘Clark Tructractors,’ and resembled more a tractor than the modern forklifts. These machines had to be manually loaded.
In the 1920s, these machines were upgraded to include a chain system that lifted items vertically from the floor. These machines required some muscle power but made the task easier. Early models could lift a wooden box just a few inches above the ground. This tiny improvement made freight transportation much more efficient.
In 1923, the first electric truck with a mast and forks raised was introduced to the market. The machine was designed and launched by Yale, and is now considered the first model of the forklift truck. This device used a ratchet-and-pinion system to lift the mast above the truck’s height. For Fork lift truck training, visit https://globalflt.com/services/rtitb/fork-lift-truck-training-near-me/
Forklift Truck Development
The forklift truck became popular during World War I due to the lack of workers throughout the war, and in the immediate aftermath. A high lift version was also needed to better store high-up items. The modern forklift truck evolved from the need to have trucks that were more maneuverable and could reach higher heights in manufacturing warehouses.
The invention of electric narrow aisle trucks allowed warehouse managers to maximise their space by including narrow aisles in high places. In the 1950s and 1960s, safety and health features such as backrests and overhead guards were introduced. In the 1980s, ergonomic designs were introduced to increase operator comfort and reduce injury over time.