Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous warehouse and retail environments for various daily task, like carrying heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machinery are classified according to kind of motor or engine, kind of tires, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of 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 require much 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. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machinery more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks utilize 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 are available with either an an IC engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, which are best used in rough terrains like logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific 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 personnel and burden carriers.