The Many Names of Forklifts: What’s in a Name?
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Well, the same goes for forklifts. No matter what you call them, they’re still the hardworking machines that move stuff from point A to point B. But did you know that forklifts have been called by many different names over the years? Let’s take a closer look at their history and the variety of names they’ve picked up along the way.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
Forklifts didn’t start out as the advanced machines we see today. Back in the late 1800s, they were simple hoists used to lift heavy objects. Fast forward to 1923, and Yale introduced the first real forklift, complete with forks to lift loads and a mast that could extend higher than the truck itself. This innovation gave birth to the term “forklift,” which is still the most common name today. It’s straightforward and descriptive—just like the machine itself.
What’s in a Name?
While “forklift” is the go-to term, there are plenty of other names out there. For example, “lift truck” is a close second in popularity. It’s pretty much the same thing as a forklift, just with a slightly different name. Other common terms include “fork truck,” “forklift truck,” and simply “lifts.” These names all describe the same essential piece of equipment, just with a little linguistic variety.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Did you know that some people call forklifts “jeeps”? This nickname dates all the way back to 1907, when the Mercury Company first used the term on their forklifts. It even predates the famous Willys Jeep we know today!
Specialized Forklifts and Their Unique Names
Not all forklifts are created equal. There are seven different classes of lift trucks, each designed for specific tasks. For example, “order pickers” are a type of Class II electric forklift used in narrow aisles. They’re designed to lift the operator up to retrieve items from high shelves. Because of this, they’re sometimes called “cherry pickers,” a nod to their ability to pluck items from high places like cherries from a tree.
Another specialized forklift is the “turret truck,” also known as a “very narrow aisle truck” (VNA) or “swing reach truck.” These machines are built to operate in tight spaces, making them perfect for warehouses with limited room. They’re battery-powered and use a combination of electric engines and counterweights to handle heavy loads.
The Rise of Automation
In recent years, a new type of forklift has emerged: the Automated Guided Vehicle, or AGV. These high-tech machines can navigate warehouses and buildings on their own, picking up and dropping off loads without human intervention. They go by many names, including “LGV” (Laser-Guided Vehicle), “Mobile Robots,” and “Driverless Vehicles.” No matter what you call them, they’re changing the game in material handling.
Forklifts: The Backbone of the Supply Chain
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you call them—forklifts are essential to the supply chain. Without them, work would be slower, more labor-intensive, and far less efficient. From their humble beginnings as simple hoists to today’s advanced AGVs, forklifts have played a crucial role in shaping the world of logistics and supply chain innovation.
So, the next time you see a forklift, whether you call it a “lift truck,” a “jeep,” or an “AGV,” remember: it’s not just a machine—it’s a piece of history.