Forklift

This article is about the powered industrial moving truck known as a forklift. For the manual pallet-moving tool, sometimes called a pallet truck, see Pallet jack.

Forklift
General appearance of a typical forklift
ClassificationPIT
IndustryVarious
ApplicationMultiple
Fuel sourceVarious including:
  • Gasoline
  • Propane
  • CNG
  • Diesel
  • Lead acid battery
  • Fuel cell
PoweredYes
WheelsVarious wheel configurations
Axles2–3
Components
  • Power source
  • Mast
  • Frame
  • Counterweight
  • Cab
  • Axles
  • Wheels
  • Overhead guard
  • Load backrest
  • Hydraulic pump
  • Hydraulic lines
  • Hydraulic controls
  • Hydraulic cylinders and attachments

A forklift (also called industrial truck, lift truck, jitney, hi-lo, fork truck, fork hoist, and forklift truck) is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances. The forklift was developed in the early 20th century by various companies, including Clark, which made transmissions, and Yale & Towne Manufacturing, which made hoists.[1][2][3]

Since World War II, the development and use of the forklift truck has greatly expanded worldwide. Forklifts have become an indispensable piece of equipment in manufacturing and warehousing.[4] In 2013, the top 20 manufacturers worldwide posted sales of $30.4 billion, with 944,405 machines sold.[5]

  1. ^ "Our History". Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Brindley was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "History". Clark Material Handling Company. 2008. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference backbone was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Bond, Josh (1 August 2013). "Top 20 Lift truck suppliers, 2013". Modern Materials Handling. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.