Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, like raising heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machines are classified according to kind of motor or engine, type of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often utilized to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not need a lot of space for operation. 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
IC engine forklifts are quite like standard car engines. These machines do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the machinery more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. 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
These trucks are sit-down tractors that can raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally employed in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.