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The History of The Fork Lift Truck
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 Episode 6 - The Eve of the War
Warehouse & Logistics News is proud to bring you the latest instalment in our exclusive series on the history of the forklift truck, which over the decades has revolutionised the face of materials handling around the world.
The writer is James Brindley, an acknowledged authority on forklift trucks. In James's distinguished career he has worked in engineering and management roles with BT Rolatruc and served as a Director of the Fork Lift Truck Association, before setting up the National Fork Truck Heritage Centre in 2004.
You will be hearing a lot more from James and the Heritage Centre in these pages, as we will be telling you just why the Heritage Centre needs your support. Now sit back and enjoy the latest part of this fascinating series.
The History of The Fork Lift Truck
By James Brindley, Director, National Fork Truck Heritage Centre
In the mid 1930s, following the purchases of The Walker Vehicle Company and the Automatic Transportation Company of Chicago, the Yale Company opened a manufacturing plant in Wednesfield, UK. The action enabled them to supply electric rider forklift trucks to the UK market without any trade restrictions. The company also provided Yale trucks, for the first time, to Japan through the Kiichi Harada Company. This was a family-owned business that had sold and distributed Yale locks and hardware since the turn of the century and had been manufacturing hoists under licence since 1930.
During 1936 the Willamette-Hyster Company moved location and started production in a new facility 2,000 miles east of Portland, in Peoria, Illinois USA. Its product included the model "FT" forklift, that had smaller drive wheels than its predecessor, the model "BT," which it replaced. Other models produced at this time included a short wheel base version of the model "FT." called the "Box Car" special, and a model "DT," a long wheel base type that could lift up to 12000lbs. (see photo)
Both of these later truck models were fitted with lifting chains, which replaced the lifting cables used previously.
Around this time another American company, Towmotor, was also improving its product, by introducing the model "CL." This was a slightly modified version of its original model "L" forklifts, with the main feature being a shortened wheelbase.
1936 was also an important year for the British Ransome Company, who patented a battery operating system that used regenerative braking and rheostat control. This system was fitted to all their subsequent electric vehicles, and was a technical advance that other manufacturers were to modify and take advantage of during later years.
In 1937 the Baker, Rauch and Lang Company changed its name to the shortened Baker Raulang and began to manufacture IC engine forklift trucks. These machines used petrol as a fuel, and were designed to work with the operator in a standing position facing the load.
 One year later the MIAG Company in Germany started production of explosion-proof forklift trucks and joined the list of the few companies with this expertise. A name of note is the Automatic Company who pioneered this type of truck in the USA.
Early in 1939, following improvements to the prototype, the Japanese launched their first electric forklift truck through the NYK Company, which was later to use the name of Nichiyu.
At about the same time a new forklift appeared on the American market under the name of Mobilift. (Photo.) Rated with a 2,000lb lift at 15inch load centres, the machine was powered by an air-cooled two-stroke petrol engine. Operated in a standing position, it was claimed to be capable of climbing 20% gradients.
In September 1939, as war was declared in Europe, the Clark Company led the American market with their brand of automated handling equipment. They would soon be called upon to increase their output dramatically, as the USA would need the benefits of automation to load ships with vast amounts of cargo for British shores.
To be continued
If you would like to support the National Fork Truck Heritage Centre,
call James Brindley on 0780 195 4167
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