Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in warehouse and retail settings, like raising bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified based on kind of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machine 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 comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly utilized to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not need much 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
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to typical automobile engines. These equipment do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine much more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors that could raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could 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, which are best utilized in rough terrains such as construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.