Lift trucks are mobile equipment which use 2 prongs or forks to be able to place loads into positions that would usually be hard to reach. Normally, forklifts fall into 2 main categories: industrial and rough-terrain.
Most commonly, industrial lift trucks are used around train loading docks and truck loading docks as well as in warehouse applications. These equipment have smaller tires which are engineered to run on smooth surfaces. Normally, industrial lift trucks are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
There are several smaller industrial forklift models which utilize an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain forklifts are engineered to run on unpaved and rough surfaces. Usually, they are the great option for construction and military operation. Rough terrain forklifts usually have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines which run on propane, diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck models could have a telescoping boom, that could lift cargo up and out from the equipment's base or they can use a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying loads straight up.
The rough terrain lift truck emerged in 1946, after a 2 pronged lift attachment was attached to a tractor chassis or a power buggy. This first machinery was used around construction sites and was able to raise to a height of 76 centimeters or 30 inches and had a lifting capacity could carry 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial application and rough terrain forklifts became famous too. By the time the 1950s came around, there were available units that could raise 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 forklift emerged on the market during 1962. This particular unit enabled cargo to be placed out from the machine's base both above and below grade.