Handling history
February 1st 2006

BT Rolatruc takes a look at how materials handling equipment has developed over the past 60 years, from the first hand pallet rucks of the 1940s, to how today's sophisticated forklift control systems can help create an efficient and safe operation

Over the last 60 years the materials handling industry has seen a number of significant advancements and dramatic changes.

As companies developed more efficient ways of manufacturing and consumers demanded a higher quality and quantity of goods, there came the need to handle goods in a more efficient way.

One of the first steps was the introduction of the palletised system during the early 1940's. With companies now benefiting from efficient containment and stacking of goods they needed more effective methods of moving the palletised loads.

In 1948, one of the first hand pallet trucks was introduced to the market, by BT, enabling easier horizontal movements of unit loads.

Ever changing needs

With demand and expectation in the consumer market continuing to grow, companies were placed under increasing pressure to deliver. As a result they demanded more efficient and complex equipment to meet these ever changing needs.

As technology and knowledge within the industry developed, the market was presented with a host of ever changing multifaceted machines that gave increased opportunities for businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity.

By the late 1950's more advanced power trucks were introduced to the market. Companies embarking on the materials handling trend now benefited from machinery that could not only move the pallets from side to side, but also lift to considerable heights, and where once material handling equipment had been seen as a threat to the industrial worker it was now seen as a benefit.

However, these early designs where restricted by the available technology, large electrical components and basic control systems gave little space and comfort to the driver.

However, compared to the alternative method of manual handling it was a giant leap forward.

As the industry became more sophisticated, focus was shifted to the safety as well as the durability and ability of the truck.

Today, the electrics of modern equipment have improved dramatically, although these advancements may not always be obvious. For example; AC technology, Electronic Steering, Electronic Hydraulics, and Pin Code Access are just a few features that can make the truck safer and easier to control. Manufacturers can now also build in systems that continually monitor the operator's directions providing the correct response to the driving/ operating conditions. This technology ensures the system monitors and adjusts the levels of control to the drive and hydraulic functions giving the optimum performance and protection.

Trucks supplied with this technology will reduce wear and tear of the equipment providing improved uptime and reducing damage and wear to flooring. The operator may not always be aware of the systems corrective changes, however, when using the equipment they will benefit from a safer more efficient working environment.

When choosing a supplier it is important to ensure that they fully understand your business. Sixty years ago companies simply wanted trucks that helped move their product. Today productivity, efficiency and health and safety are highly dependant on material handling equipment - the wrong product will cost your company thousands!

Forefront of innovation

As a supplier of materials handling equipment, BT Rolatruc has been at the forefront of innovation over the last 60 years. From the production of their first hand-truck in 1948 to the more recent prolifter M - the motorised hand-truck - BT has played an important role in introducing machines with a high focus on efficiency, ergonomics and safety.

Dedicated to offering high quality products designed to suit individual business needs backed up by a quality assured after sales care package, BT will work along side you to improve the efficiency, productivity and safety of your company and employees.

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