Lift trucks are mobile machines that utilize 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions that would typically be difficult to reach. Usually, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Industrial forklifts are most often used around truck and train loading docks in addition to many warehouse operation. 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 propane or diesel fuel.
Smaller forklifts may run off an internal battery charging an electric motor. And as the name implies, the rough terrain lift truck is designed to be operated on rough and unpaved surfaces. Normally, they are the great option for military and construction applications. Rough terrain forklifts normally have big pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units can have a telescoping boom, capable of lifting cargo up and out from the equipment's base or they may utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying cargo straight up.
During 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 equipment was utilized around construction locations and could raise to a height of 76 centimeters or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can carry 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became famous as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available models that could lift up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 lbs.
In 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 3000 lbs. or 1362 kg and 35 feet or 11 meters. The first telescoping boom rough terrain lift truck emerged on the market in the year 1962. This particular unit allowed loads to be positioned out from the machine's base both above and below grade.