Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various daily tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, like raising heavy merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified according to kind of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that 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 need a lot of space for operation. Class II trucks comprise 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 similar to regular automobile engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine much more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors that could lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally used in logging, agriculture and construction. These type of trucks are great for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.