Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse settings, like raising heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified based on type of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the equipment 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. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often utilized 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 consist of side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to typical automobile engines. These machinery do come with solid tires or cushion tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the equipment more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. 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 can lift bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 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, that are best used in rough terrains like logging, agriculture and construction. These type of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.