Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in many warehouse and retail environments for a variety of everyday task, like lifting bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified based on kind of tire, kind of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard 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
These trucks do not need a lot of space to operate. Class II trucks include 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 like regular car engines. These equipment do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are usually used in agriculture, construction and logging. 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 consists of personnel and burden carriers.