Forklifts are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions that would usually be difficult to reach. Normally, lift trucks fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are used around train loading docks and truck loading docks in addition to in warehouse applications. These machines have smaller tires which are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Usually, industrial lift trucks are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
There are several smaller industrial lift truck models that 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 operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have big pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines which run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck models can have a telescoping boom, that can carry loads up and out from the base of the equipment or they could utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting loads straight up.
The rough terrain lift truck emerged in 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first machine was used around construction locations 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 available models which could lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 lbs or 1135 kg.
The first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift was introduced in 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 first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market during the year 1962. This particular model allowed loads to be positioned out from the base of the machine both above and below grade.