Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, such as lifting heavy merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified according to type of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often used to move 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 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 like those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts since both have IC engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks use pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come 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 commonly utilized in construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.