Forklifts are mobile machines which use 2 prongs or forks in order to place cargo into positions that will normally be difficult to reach. Typically, forklifts fall into 2 major categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are utilized around train loading docks and truck loading docks as well as in warehouse operations. These equipment have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
Smaller lift trucks may run off an internal battery charging an electric motor. And as the name implies, the rough terrain forklift is engineered to be operated on unpaved and rough surfaces. Usually, they are the great option for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts generally have big pneumatic tires that are usually powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck models could have a telescoping boom, capable of carrying cargo up and out from the machine's base or they could utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
In the year 1946, the rough terrain forklift emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first machine was utilized around construction locations and could lift to a height of 76 cm or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity could lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial use and rough terrain lift trucks became popular too. 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 2500 lbs or 1135 kg.
In the year 1958, the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was introduced with 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 during 1962. This unit allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both above and below grade.