Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, such as raising bulky product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified based on kind of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include 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
These trucks do not need much space to operate. Class II trucks consist of side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
These trucks have engines similar to those found in cars. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. Often 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 IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which can raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are commonly utilized in construction, logging and agriculture. These kind of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by an individual who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.