Lift trucks are mobile machines that utilize 2 forks or prongs to be able to place cargo into positions that would typically be hard to reach. Typically, forklifts fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most commonly, industrial forklifts are utilized around train loading docks and truck loading docks as well as in warehouse operations. These machinery have smaller tires which are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial lift trucks 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 rough and unpaved surfaces. Normally, they are the great alternative for military and construction applications. Rough terrain forklifts generally have big pneumatic tires which are usually powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units can have a telescoping boom, which could lift cargo up and out from the base of the equipment or they may utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting cargo 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 utilized around construction sites and could raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 cm 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 units available that can raise up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 pounds.
In the year 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 model allowed cargo to be positioned out from the base of the machine both above and below grade.