Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in many retail and warehouse settings for a variety of daily task, like lifting bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The machines are classified based on kind of tire, type of engine or motor, 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 regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include 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 a lot of space for operation. Class II trucks comprise 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 like regular automobile engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. 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 heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are commonly used in agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by an individual who either pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.