Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in many warehouse and retail environments for a variety of everyday task, including lifting bulky product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machinery are classified based on type of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which 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 a lot of 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
These trucks have engines like those found in cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machinery more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which can raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing more than 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an electric motor or an IC 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 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 pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.