Forklifts are mobile machines that use 2 prongs or forks in order to place cargo into positions which would normally be hard to reach. Usually, lift trucks fall into 2 major categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Industrial forklifts are most often used around train and truck loading docks in addition to lots of warehouse applications. These machinery have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial lift trucks are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
There are some smaller industrial lift truck models that utilize an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain forklifts are designed to run on rough and unpaved surfaces. Usually, they are the great alternative for military and construction operation. Rough terrain forklifts generally have large pneumatic tires that are usually powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These forklift models could have a telescoping boom, capable of lifting loads up and out from the base of the machine or they may utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for lifting cargo straight up.
The rough terrain forklift emerged during 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This initial machine was used around construction locations and was able to lift to a height of 76 cm or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain lift trucks became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available units which can lift up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 2500 lbs or 1135 kg.
In 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 model enabled cargo to be positioned out from the machine's base both above and below grade.