Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in both retail and warehouse settings, like lifting bulky product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machines are classified based on type of tire, kind of engine or motor, 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 standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly utilized 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 comprise forklifts with swinging masts and side-loading models.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to typical car engines. These machinery do come with solid tires or cushion tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. 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 could are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best used in rough terrains such as construction, logging and agriculture. These 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 an individual who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.