Lift trucks are mobile machines that utilize 2 forks or prongs to be able to place cargo into positions that will typically be difficult to reach. Usually, lift trucks fall into 2 main categories: rough-terrain and industrial.
Most often, industrial lift trucks are utilized around train loading docks and truck loading docks in addition to in warehouse operations. These machinery have smaller tires which are engineered to run on paved surfaces. Usually, industrial forklifts are powered by an internal gasoline engine running on diesel fuel or propane.
There are some smaller industrial forklift models which utilize an electric motor running off an internal battery. As the name implies, rough terrain lift trucks are designed to run on unpaved and rough surfaces. Usually, they are the ideal choice for construction and military operation. Rough terrain forklifts normally have large pneumatic tires which are normally powered by internal industrial engines that run on diesel or propane fuel. These lift truck units could have a telescoping boom, capable of carrying loads up and out from the base of the equipment or they could utilize a vertical tower, which is responsible for carrying cargo 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 machine was used around construction locations and can raise to a height of 30 inches or 76 cm and had a lifting capacity could lift 1000 pounds or 454 kg. Vertical tower forklifts were quickly developed for industrial use and rough terrain lift trucks became popular as well. By the time the 1950s came around, there were units available which could lift up to heights of 9 meters or 30 feet 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 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 forklift emerged on the market in 1962. This specific model enabled cargo to be placed out from the base of the machinery both below and above grade.