| Our modern economy has a tendency to take | | | | origins. They were originally created by modifying |
| forklifts and forklift truck technology for granted. | | | | tractors by applying lifts to them, but soon enough |
| These industrial machines were created in the | | | | they become an entire industry of their own. The |
| beginning of the 20th century as American was still | | | | advent of electric forklifts is a testament to the |
| going through a rapid industrialization post World War | | | | ongoing evolution of forklift technology. Many |
| 1. Many companies were moving from other | | | | industrial forklifts now utilize rear-wheel steering, |
| industries into the material handling industry. Hyster, | | | | increasing the ability of the forklift driver to |
| for example, started out in the logging industry, but | | | | maneuver in narrow environments. |
| by the 1930s started to shift its focus to the | | | | Since forklifts are so prevalent today, there is a |
| burgeoning materials handling industry and began | | | | great market for used forklifts. Used forklifts |
| developing forklifts. | | | | provide a business the opportunity to minimize their |
| During and after World War 2, the forklift became a | | | | costs and increase productivity by buying a quality |
| staple of industrialization. They were used during | | | | used forklift, rather than paying thousands of dollars |
| the war to bring supplies to the front lines and were | | | | more for a new forklift. More and more businesses |
| also used to transport military goods from American | | | | are turning toward buying used forklifts because |
| factories to foreign ports. American warehouses | | | | buying new forklifts is considerably more expensive. |
| used forklifts and lift trucks to increase productivity | | | | Hopefully this brief introduction to the history of |
| and efficiency in their materials handling. | | | | forklifts and the continuing evolution of forklift |
| As the decades progressed, so did technology, and | | | | technology has taught you a few things and |
| increasingly forklifts were going electric. Electric | | | | increased your appreciation for this often overlooked |
| forklifts often provide lower operating costs and | | | | tool of modernity. Forklifts will continue to be used |
| tend to be more ecofriendly than gas powered | | | | by business all over the world and will continue to be |
| forklift trucks. Electric forklifts have become a | | | | an integral part of running a successful business and |
| standard for businesses that want to compete in | | | | staying competitive in the increasingly international |
| today's international economy. | | | | 21st century. |
| Forklifts have come a long way from their humble | | | | |