Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various daily tasks in both warehouse and retail settings, like raising heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machines are classified based on kind of engine or motor, type of tires, 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. 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 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 like typical car engines. These machines do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires that are used. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors that can lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, which are best utilized in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by a person who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.