Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in retail and warehouse environments, like raising bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machinery are classified based on type of tire, kind of engine or motor, 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. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly utilized to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not require much space for operation. Class II trucks comprise forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite like standard automobile engines. These equipment do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle 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 utilize radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an an IC 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 construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are great for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person who either pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.