Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of daily tasks in warehouse and retail environments, like lifting heavy merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified according to type of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not require much space to operate. Class II trucks include forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to standard car engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machinery a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts since both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are used. Class V trucks come with radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, that are best utilized in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.