Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, like lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machinery are classified according to type of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not require much space to operate. Class II trucks comprise 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 similar to standard automobile engines. These equipment do come with cushion tires or solid tires. usually the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machinery more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors that could lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing more than 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best utilized in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are recommended 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 consists of burden and personnel carriers.