Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in a variety of daily tasks in both warehouse and retail settings, such as lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The machines are classified based on 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
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that 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 consist of 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 similar to those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks use 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 can are available with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are normally utilized in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by an individual who either pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.