There are actually two unique classifications of forklifts within the materials handling market, the industrial model and the rough terrain model. Rough terrain forklifts initially arrived on the marketplace in the 1940's and had been predominantly used on rough surfaces, ideal for areas where no covered surfaces were accessible, like construction sites and lumberyards.
Usually, most rough terrain forklifts are run on a propane, diesel or gasoline driven internal combustion engines with a battery used for power. Some makers are playing with rough ground forklifts that consume vegetable matter and run from ethanol. Large pneumatic tires with deep treads distinguish these vehicles to allow them to clutch onto the roughest ground type without any misstep or shifting.
Some of the earliest versions of rough ground forklifts had the ability to lift in excess of 1000 lbs, by means of forks that could slide under the item, lift it marginally and move it to an alternate site. After ten years on the market, rough terrain forklifts were reinforced with additional carrying muscle, increasing the potential cargo to more than 2000 lbs. In the 1960's telescoping booms were added, allowing them to stack materials a great deal higher than in previous years. The telescoping design characteristic is a staple of most rough terrain forklifts at the moment. Present models are capable of handling well over 4000 lbs due to the continual improvements through the years. Telescoping capability has additionally improved with some versions achieving a height of 35 feet. Worker safety has also become a focus with several rough terrain forklifts currently built are equipped with an enclosed cab for the operator, as opposed to the older open air seating capacity.
The all terrain lift trucks existing today work equally as well on paved floors as on unpaved surfaces. These rough terrain lift trucks are being marketed for their adaptability permitting establishments to transfer items from outside the facility to the inside or vice versa.