Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, like lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machinery are classified based on kind of tire, type of motor or engine, 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. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often used to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not need much space to operate. 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
These trucks have engines like those found in cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the machinery more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could 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 used in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.