About Hyster
Hyster has been making forklifts since 1934, when the company specialized in making lifting machines for the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the company says it took its name from the loggers’ call for a log to be lifted: “Hoist ‘er!” Although it got its start lifting logs in the Pacific Northwest, Hyster has grown and today is one of the leading names in lifting equipment for a wide variety of industries.
The Early Days
Early lifts the company created included a forked straddle carrier in 1934 and a cable-hoist forklift truck called the BT in 1935. In 1942, however, Hyster debuted a model with a telescopic mast and pneumatic tires, traits still common in forklifts today. The big lift truck, which could lift up to 7.5 tons (6.8 metric tons), was dubbed “Jumbo.”

Hyster H50XT Pneumatic Tire Forklift
Hyster focused solely on lift trucks in its new factory in Danville, Illinois, which it opened in 1946. The manufacturer expanded overseas in 1952 with its first international plant in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Later, in 1959, Hyster’s “Big Trucks” represented the firm’s entry into the container handler market.
Later highlights include the modular Fortis and Fortens IC (internal combustion) product lines in 2005, the quad-masted VNA (very narrow aisle) truck in 2006, and Electric Counterbalance forks in 2008.
Today, the company known as the Hyster-Yale Group operates 12 manufacturing facilities around the world, including in South America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. It has established a presence in more than 130 countries.
Lifts, Telehandlers, & More
The current Hyster lineup of forklifts includes most kinds of lift trucks and covers a broad swath of industry applications. Its units are powered by IC engines running on diesel or LPG, as well as by electric power. The latter forks come in three- and four-wheeled variants.
Hyster forklifts are available with cushion and pneumatic tires, as well as in rough-terrain configurations. Its High Capacity 1050HD/S model can lift more than 50 tons (45.4 metric tons).
The company also makes ReachStacker telehandlers, along with empty and laden mast container handlers and reacher stacker container handlers. Elsewhere in its wide product portfolio are Hyster pallet trucks, pallet stackers, hand pallet jacks, double stackers, stand up / reach trucks, shelf stockers, swing reaches, tow tractors, walkie stackers, order pickers, personnel lifts, and VNA forklift trucks.
Hyster has made great strides in zero-emissions product development, including lithium-ion battery options for its electric lifts and a seaport telehandler powered by a battery recharged by a hydrogen fuel cell. The company has signaled its intention to move the industry toward a lower carbon footprint.
Find The Right Hyster Lift
Explore LiftsToday.com to find great deals on new and used Hyster equipment for sale. Popular models on the used market include the Hyster S120, S155, S50, and S80 cushion tire forklifts; along with the Hyster H50, H60, H80, and H155 pneumatic tire lift trucks.