Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in a variety of everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail settings, like raising heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The equipment are classified based on type of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all 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 much 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 like those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. usually the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion 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 which could raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are commonly used in construction, logging and agriculture. 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 pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.