Lift trucks are mobile machines which utilize 2 forks or prongs in order to place cargo into positions that would typically be hard to reach. Normally, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks as well as in warehouse applications. These machinery have smaller tires which are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
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. Normally, they are the ideal option for military and construction applications. Rough terrain forklifts generally have big pneumatic tires that are generally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These forklift units could have a telescoping boom, that could carry cargo up and out from the base of the equipment or they can use a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
The rough terrain forklift emerged in 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machinery was utilized around construction sites and can lift to a height of 30 inches or 76 cm and had a lifting capacity could carry 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain forklifts became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available units that could raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 lbs or 1135 kg.
In 1958, the original 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 first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market during the year 1962. This unit enabled cargo to be placed out from the equipment's base both above and below grade.