在19世纪70年代中期，斯匹德的第一辆叉车被作为专利发明与制造出来，其是美国的第一辆便于携带的、车载式叉车，最初是作为自己与其他的棘手搬运及庭院所用。在1988年产品的大部分配件加以升级以更具强劲、稳定与优质，通过采用Kubota的内燃机，Cessna的直接驱动泵，Cessna轴式马达与扭转毂、液压提升油缸与其他改进件，但是原始的设计被沿用下来。
基于斯匹德叉车也被适用于其他建材行业，比如砖头与大块石料、屋顶与伐木业，更加完善的安全系统、标准4英寸叉车滚柱的C渠道门架、更强劲的剪叉前移系统及其他改进被添加进来。在1999 to 2002年，Manitex引领了设计变化的简约性，但斯匹德在2003年回归了其原始却完善的设计。这一特有的、享有专利的产品持续提供市场上最好的操作性与容量，特别是伴随着其在这一领域的扩张的历史与数年的经验。
The first Spyder forklift was invented, patented, and manufactured in the mid 1970s as the only portable, truck-mounted forklift in the USA and primarily used by the inventor and other sod handlers and landscapers. In 1988, most of its components were "upgraded" for more strength, stability, and quality by changing to the Kubota diesel engine, direct-drive Cessna pumps, Cessna wheel motors and torque hubs, hydraulic lift cylinders, and other improvements. However, the original design was kept.
As Spyders were being used in other building material industries, such as brick and block, roofing, and lumber, more improved safety systems, C-channel masts for standard 4" forklift rollers, a stronger scissor-reach system, and other improvements were being added. A brief "design change" was implemented by Manitex from 1999 to 2002; however, Spyder returned to its original, but improved design in 2003. The unique, patented features continue to provide the best maneuverability and capability of any unit on the market, especially with its extensive history and years of experience in the field.