Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in warehouse and retail environments, like raising bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machinery are classified based on type of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often utilized to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not require a lot of space for operation. Class II trucks include side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite like regular car engines. These machines do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the machinery much more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires that are used. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are usually employed in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.