Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in warehouse and retail settings, like lifting bulky product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified according to type of motor or engine, type of tires, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that 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 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 similar to regular automobile engines. These machinery do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available 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, that are best utilized in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. These type of trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by an individual who 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.