Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse settings, such as raising heavy merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified according to type of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly used to transport 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 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 like those found in cars. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine much more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing more than 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, which are best used in rough terrains such as logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by a person who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.