Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of daily tasks in warehouse and retail environments, such as lifting bulky product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to 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 machine 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 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 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 automobiles. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. 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 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
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are usually employed in agriculture, construction and logging. These kind of trucks are recommended 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 operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.