Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in numerous warehouse and retail environments for a variety of daily task, like carrying heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machinery are classified based on kind of tire, kind of motor or engine, and the way the machine 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 that are often used to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not need much 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 regular car engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the equipment much more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC 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
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow bulky loads, loads up to 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 IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best used in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. These type 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 pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.