Forklifts are mobile equipment that use 2 forks or prongs in order to place loads into positions that would normally be difficult to reach. Normally, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Industrial forklifts are most commonly used around train and truck loading docks in addition to lots of warehouse operation. These machinery have smaller tires which are designed to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
Smaller lift trucks 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 great option for construction and military applications. Rough terrain forklifts usually have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These forklift units could have a telescoping boom, which can lift loads up and out from the base of the machinery or they could utilize a vertical tower, that is responsible for lifting cargo straight up.
The rough terrain forklift emerged in 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 locations and can raise to a height of 76 centimeters or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity can carry 454 kg or 1000 pounds. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain lift trucks became popular 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 pounds or 1135 kg.
In 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 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 unit allowed loads to be placed out from the base of the equipment both above and below grade.