Forklifts are mobile equipment that utilize 2 forks or prongs in order to place loads into positions that would usually be hard to reach. Typically, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most commonly, industrial forklifts are utilized around truck loading docks and train loading docks in addition to in warehouse applications. These equipment have smaller tires that are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
There are several smaller industrial forklift units which utilize an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain forklifts are designed to run on unpaved and rough surfaces. Normally, they are the ideal alternative for construction and military applications. Rough terrain lift trucks usually have big pneumatic tires that are generally powered by internal industrial engines that run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units could have a telescoping boom, that could carry loads up and out from the base of the machine or they could 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 first machine was utilized around construction sites and was able to raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 centimeters and had a lifting capacity can lift 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were units available which can lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
The first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift was introduced during 1958. It offered a capacity of 2724 kg or 6000 lbs. and had a lift height of 7 meters or 22.5 feet or 3000 lbs. or 1362 kg and 11 meters or 35 feet. The very first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market during 1962. This model allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both above and below grade.