Forklifts are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions which will typically be difficult to reach. Usually, forklifts fall into 2 major categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Industrial lift trucks are most commonly used around train and truck loading docks in addition to many warehouse applications. These machinery have smaller tires that are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
Smaller lift trucks 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. Commonly, they are the great alternative for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts usually have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck models could have a telescoping boom, that could carry cargo up and out from the base of the machinery or they may utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting loads straight up.
During 1946, the rough terrain forklift emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first machinery was utilized around construction sites and was able to 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 use and rough terrain lift trucks became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were units available which could raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
The original 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift was introduced during 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 11 meters or 35 feet. The first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market during 1962. This unit allowed loads to be placed out from the machine's base both below and above grade.