Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various daily tasks in retail and warehouse environments, such as lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machinery are classified according to type of tire, kind of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly utilized to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not require a lot of space for operation. Class II trucks include side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
These trucks have engines like those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts since both have internal combustion engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are used. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial 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 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 such as construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.