Forklifts are mobile machinery that use 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions which would normally be hard to reach. Usually, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks as well as in warehouse operations. These machines have smaller tires that are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
There are several smaller industrial forklift models which use an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain lift trucks are engineered to run on rough and unpaved surfaces. Commonly, they are the great option for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts generally 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 lifting loads up and out from the equipment's base or they may utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting cargo straight up.
The rough terrain forklift emerged during 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial equipment was used around construction sites and could raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 cm and had a lifting capacity could carry 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial use and rough terrain lift trucks became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were units available which can raise up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
During the year 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 very first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market during the year 1962. This particular model enabled loads to be positioned out from the equipment's base both above and below grade.