Forklifts are mobile equipment which utilize 2 forks or prongs to be able to place loads into positions that would normally be difficult to reach. Typically, lift trucks 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 equipment have smaller tires which are designed to run on paved surfaces. Normally, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on propane or diesel fuel.
There are some smaller industrial lift truck units that use 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 ideal alternative for construction and military applications. Rough terrain lift trucks usually have big pneumatic tires which are generally powered by internal industrial engines which run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units can have a telescoping boom, capable of lifting loads up and out from the machine's base or they may use a vertical tower, that is responsible for carrying cargo straight up.
The rough terrain lift truck emerged in the year 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first equipment was used around construction locations and was able to lift to a height of 76 cm or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity could lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were rapidly developed for industrial use and rough terrain forklifts became popular too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were models available that could lift up to heights of 30 feet or 9 meters and had lift capacities of 2500 pounds or 1135 kg.
The first 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklift was introduced in the year 1958. It offered a capacity of 6000 lbs. or 2724 kg and had a lift height of 7 meters or 22.5 feet or 3000 lbs. or 1362 kg and 35 feet or 11 meters. The first telescoping boom rough terrain forklift emerged on the market in the year 1962. This specific model enabled loads to be positioned out from the base of the machine both above and below grade.