Forklifts are mobile machines that use 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions which will usually be difficult to reach. Usually, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most often, industrial forklifts are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks in addition to in warehouse operations. These equipment have smaller tires that are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
Smaller lift trucks may run off an internal battery charging an electric motor. And as the name implies, the rough terrain lift truck is designed to be operated on unpaved and rough surfaces. Usually, they are the great option for construction and military operation. Rough terrain forklifts generally have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines which run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units can have a telescoping boom, capable of lifting loads up and out from the base of the machinery or they can use a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting loads straight up.
During the year 1946, the rough terrain lift truck emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machinery was utilized around construction sites and can raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 centimeters and had a lifting capacity could lift 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became popular as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available which can lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 lbs or 1135 kg.
In 1958, the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was introduced with a capacity of 6000 lbs. or 2724 kg and had a lift height of 22.5 feet or 7 meters or 3000 lbs. or 1362 kg and 11 meters or 35 feet. The first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market in 1962. This unit allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both below and above grade.