Lift trucks are mobile machines that use 2 forks or prongs to be able to place loads into positions that would normally be difficult to reach. Usually, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most commonly, industrial forklifts are used around truck loading docks and train loading docks in addition to in warehouse applications. These machinery have smaller tires that are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Usually, industrial lift trucks 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 lift truck is designed to be operated on unpaved and rough surfaces. Normally, they are the great choice for military and construction operation. Rough terrain lift trucks normally have large pneumatic tires which are usually 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 base of the machinery or they may use a vertical tower, that is responsible for lifting loads straight up.
The rough terrain forklift emerged during 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 sites and could lift 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 famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available that could raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
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 22.5 feet or 7 meters or 1362 kg or 3000 lbs. and 11 meters or 35 feet. The first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market in the year 1962. This specific model allowed cargo to be placed out from the equipment's base both above and below grade.