Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in many retail and warehouse settings for various everyday task, like carrying bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The machines are classified according to type of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as 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 used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not require a lot of 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
These trucks have engines similar to those found in cars. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. usually the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment much more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an an internal combustion 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 used in rough terrains such as construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular 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 personnel and burden carriers.