Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in retail and warehouse environments, like raising heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The equipment are classified based on type of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly used to move 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
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to regular automobile engines. These equipment do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tires which are used. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come 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 utilized in construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
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 operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.