Forklifts are mobile machinery that use 2 prongs or forks in order to place loads into positions that would typically be hard to reach. Normally, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial forklifts are used around train loading docks and truck loading docks as well as in warehouse operations. These machinery have smaller tires that are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Typically, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
Smaller forklifts may run off an internal battery charging an electric motor. And as the name implies, the rough terrain lift truck is engineered to be operated on unpaved and rough surfaces. Usually, they are the ideal option for construction and military operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have big pneumatic tires that are generally powered by internal industrial engines which run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These forklift models can have a telescoping boom, that can lift loads up and out from the base of the equipment or they can use a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying cargo straight up.
In the year 1946, the rough terrain lift truck emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machinery was utilized around construction sites and can raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 centimeters and had a lifting capacity could lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain forklifts became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available that can raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
During the year 1958, the first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift 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 model enabled cargo to be positioned out from the base of the machine both below and above grade.