Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in warehouse and retail settings, such as raising heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified according to type of engine or motor, type of tires, 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 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 require much space for operation. 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 like those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine much more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts since both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks utilize radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are commonly utilized in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.