Lift trucks are mobile equipment that utilize 2 forks or prongs to be able to place cargo into positions that will normally be difficult to reach. Usually, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Industrial forklifts are most commonly used around train and truck loading docks in addition to many warehouse operation. These machines have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial lift trucks are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
There are several smaller industrial lift truck units which use an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain forklifts are designed to run on rough and unpaved surfaces. Normally, they are the ideal option for military and construction applications. Rough terrain forklifts usually have large pneumatic tires that are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These forklift units can have a telescoping boom, which could carry cargo up and out from the base of the machinery or they could utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
In 1946, the rough terrain forklift emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machine was used around construction locations and can lift to a height of 76 centimeters or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can carry 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became popular as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available models that could lift up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
During 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 22.5 feet or 7 meters or 1362 kg or 3000 lbs. and 35 feet or 11 meters. The very first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market in the year 1962. This specific unit allowed cargo to be positioned out from the equipment's base both below and above grade.