Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of daily tasks in both warehouse and retail settings, such as lifting bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The equipment are classified according to kind of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machinery 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. Kinds of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly 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 much space for operation. Class II trucks consist of forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
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 cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle much more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tire. 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 bulky loads and pull loads weighing more than 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, which are best used in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are great 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 an individual who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.