Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous retail and warehouse settings for a variety of daily task, including carrying bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machines are classified based on kind of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the machine 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. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often used to transport 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 comprise forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
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 cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts since both have IC engines and are usually counterbalanced. 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 can come with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, which are best utilized in rough terrains like construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
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 hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.