Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in retail and warehouse environments, such as raising bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machinery are classified according to kind of motor or engine, 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 regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift consist of 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
These trucks do not need much space to operate. 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 regular automobile engines. These machines do come with solid tires or cushion tires. usually the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine 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
These trucks are sit-down tractors which can lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best used in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. 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 specific 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 includes personnel and burden carriers.