Lift trucks are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions which would typically be difficult to reach. Typically, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are used around truck loading docks and train loading docks in addition to in warehouse applications. These machines have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Usually, 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 forklift is designed to be operated on rough and unpaved surfaces. Usually, they are the great alternative for construction and military operation. Rough terrain lift trucks normally have large pneumatic tires which are usually powered by internal industrial engines which run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These forklift models can have a telescoping boom, which can carry loads up and out from the machine's base or they can 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 first machine was used around construction sites and can raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 centimeters and had a lifting capacity can carry 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial application and rough terrain lift trucks became popular as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were units available that can lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
The first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift was introduced during the year 1958. It offered a capacity of 2724 kg or 6000 lbs. 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 lift truck emerged on the market in the year 1962. This model allowed cargo to be positioned out from the base of the machine both below and above grade.