Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in retail and warehouse environments, such as lifting bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified based on type of motor or engine, type of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not need a lot of space to operate. Class II trucks include 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 automobiles. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. usually the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can 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, which are best utilized in rough terrains like logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
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 usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.