Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in a variety of daily tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, like raising heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified based on kind of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly utilized to transport 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 consist of forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
These trucks have engines similar to those found in automobiles. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle much more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tires which are used. Class V trucks use 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 IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best used in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.