After thirty five years of turning wrenchs 95% on forklifts and 5% everything else and during our recent work slow down, I've had a chance to reflect on my career. Over the years forklift models have come and gone, some successful some not, even manufactures came and went, although some of the originals are still around. Forklift techniogies have improved dramatically to where were at today. Again some good and some not so good. Using this forum I would like to list some of the good and bad I've experianced. The #1 forklift on the good side for me is the Caterpillar V50B with the Continental 4 cylinder LP engine and either the wet clutch or power shift transmission. #2 on the good side is an old one, Automatic readi power, I'm not sure about the correct spelling. This machine had a Continental 4 cylinder gasoline engine connected direct drive to a DC generator which suppiled DC power to an electric DC drive motor. Both these machines were absolutly gernade proof. The bad side can be identified as a period of time, it seemed in the 80"s forklift manufactures were in transistion maybe because of the economy or the world transistioning into a "world economy" i'm not sure why but, during that time they produced some of the worst forklifts i've ever turned a wrench on. Manufactures were merging and buying out other manufactures, the end result was a parts nightnmare in some cases, service nightmares in others and warranty claims nightmares in others. Thru all that there we still had a light at the end of the tunnel, all of which brought us to where were at today. Although theres still alot to be accomplished, todays forklifts are again some of the best ever manufactured. Todays forklifts have efficent drive trains that have been well thought out. Todays forklifts have self diagnostics as standard equipment, diagnostic systems that are smart and in some cases have the problem pin pinted without the help of a technician. Reflecting from thirty five years ago to today I think forklifts have advanced more than most coulod have imagined. With approximently ten years before retirement, i'm looking forward to whats next, it will be interesting to say the least.