Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in both warehouse and retail settings, like raising bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified according to type of motor or engine, kind of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly utilized 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 forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to standard car engines. These machinery do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires which are used. Class V trucks come with radial or pneumatic 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 electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally employed in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.