Forklifts are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks in order to place loads into positions that would usually be hard to reach. Typically, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Industrial forklifts are most commonly used around truck and train loading docks in addition to many warehouse applications. These machines have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
Smaller forklifts 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 rough and unpaved surfaces. Usually, they are the ideal option for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have large pneumatic tires which are usually powered by internal industrial engines that run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These forklift units can have a telescoping boom, which could lift loads up and out from the machine's base or they can utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting cargo straight up.
In 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 first equipment was utilized around construction locations and was able to lift to a height of 76 cm or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial application and rough terrain forklifts became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available which could raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
During 1958, the original 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was introduced with a capacity of 6000 lbs. or 2724 kg and had a lift height of 7 meters or 22.5 feet or 3000 lbs. or 1362 kg and 35 feet or 11 meters. The first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market during the year 1962. This unit enabled cargo to be positioned out from the base of the equipment both below and above grade.