Forklifts are used in just about every warehouse across North America. These brilliant machines help make backbreaking labour easy, and the loading and unloading process much faster. So how did we end up with the forklifts we have today? Here is a brief history of the forklift.
The First Forklifts
In the 1800’s the best way of moving heavy items around were pulleys and levers made from chains and ropes. These helped to get the job done but still required a significant amount of effort from the workers.1
The first seated pulley was created by Clark in 1917 and was known as the “tructractor”. Originally Clark had used the tructractor for its own internal purposes, but others quickly saw the benefits and requested their own models.1
Introduction of Hydraulics
In 1920 the first hydraulic lift was introduced and in 1923 the first electric lift was created. This allowed heavy objects to be lifted and raised much easier. In the late 1930’s a standard pallet size was introduced which spurred on the popularity of the forklift.1
From the 1930’s to the 1950’s productivity increases were being noticed and storage efficiencies were being developed to compensate. This lead to the narrower aisles we are used to today and the also the safety regulations and standards that come along with forklift usage.1
Forklifts Today
Today we are experiencing huge leaps and bounds in all technology. We now have more energy efficient forklifts that run on less power than ever before. We have loads of electronic equipment that can be added to help increase safety with sensors and also manage inventory systems.
As the warehouse has slowly been designed around the use of the forklifts, so have our methods of working. Dura-Ramp is dedicated to delivering the safest and most efficient loading experience with a forklift. We have designed many different types of loading ramps to help forklifts get up onto any surface or platform.
Find out more information about our loading ramps, contact us at 1-877-820-1333 or request a quote online.
For more information on the history of forklifts, visit The MHEDA Journal.
1 – http://www.themhedajournal.org/2004/07/15/forklift-trucks-the-backbone-of-the-industry/
