Forklifts are mobile machines that utilize 2 forks or prongs in order to place loads into positions that will usually be difficult to reach. Typically, lift trucks fall into 2 main categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks along with in warehouse applications. These machinery have smaller tires which are designed to run on paved surfaces. Usually, 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. Normally, they are the ideal option for construction and military operation. Rough terrain lift trucks usually have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units can have a telescoping boom, capable of lifting cargo up and out from the base of the equipment or they could utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
In 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 machine was used around construction locations and can lift to a height of 30 inches or 76 cm and had a lifting capacity can lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain lift trucks became popular as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available models which can raise up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
In the year 1958, the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift 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 very first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market in the year 1962. This particular unit allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both below and above grade.