Forklifts are mobile machines which utilize 2 forks or prongs in order to place loads into positions that will normally be difficult to reach. Usually, forklifts fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most commonly, industrial lift trucks are used around train loading docks and truck loading docks as well as in warehouse applications. These machines have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial lift trucks 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 forklift is designed to be operated on rough and unpaved surfaces. Normally, they are the ideal option for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These forklift models can have a telescoping boom, which could lift cargo up and out from the base of the machine or they may use a vertical tower, that is responsible for lifting 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 machinery was utilized around construction sites and can 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 application and rough terrain lift trucks became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available that could lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
During the year 1958, the first 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 1362 kg or 3000 lbs. and 11 meters or 35 feet. The very first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market during the year 1962. This specific model allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the equipment both below and above grade.