Forklifts are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks in order to place loads into positions which will normally be hard to reach. Typically, lift trucks fall into 2 main categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most commonly, industrial lift trucks are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks in addition to in warehouse operations. These machines have smaller tires which are engineered 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 engineered to be operated on rough and unpaved surfaces. Usually, they are the great option for construction and military applications. Rough terrain lift trucks usually have big pneumatic tires which are generally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These forklift units could have a telescoping boom, capable of carrying loads up and out from the machine's base or they could use a vertical tower, that is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
The rough terrain lift truck emerged in the year 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machine was used around construction locations and was able to raise to a height of 76 cm or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity could lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available units which could lift up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 pounds.
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 7 meters or 22.5 feet or 1362 kg or 3000 lbs. and 35 feet or 11 meters. The very first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market during 1962. This specific model allowed loads to be placed out from the base of the equipment both above and below grade.