Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous retail and warehouse environments for a variety of everyday task, like carrying 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 equipment is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds 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 require much space for operation. Class II trucks consist of 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 similar to those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine a lot 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 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 come with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, that are best used in rough terrains such as logging, agriculture and construction. These type of 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 normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.