Lift trucks are mobile machines that utilize 2 forks or prongs in order to place loads into positions which would typically be difficult to reach. Typically, lift trucks fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Industrial forklifts are most often utilized around train and truck loading docks in addition to many warehouse operation. These machines have smaller tires that are designed to run on paved 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 designed to be operated on unpaved and rough surfaces. Normally, they are the great choice for construction and military operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have big pneumatic tires that are usually powered by internal industrial engines that run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These forklift models can have a telescoping boom, which can lift loads up and out from the base of the equipment or they can utilize a vertical tower, that is responsible for lifting cargo straight up.
During the year 1946, the rough terrain forklift emerged as a 2 pronged lift attachment was placed on a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first machine was used around construction sites and was able to raise to a height of 76 centimeters or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can lift 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial use and rough terrain lift trucks became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available models which could raise up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet and had lift capacities of 1135 kg or 2500 pounds.
In the year 1958, the original 4-wheel drive rough terrain lift truck was introduced with a capacity of 2724 kg or 6000 lbs. 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 lift truck emerged on the market in the year 1962. This specific model allowed cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both above and below grade.