Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in warehouse and retail settings, such as lifting heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The equipment are classified according to type of tire, kind of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly used to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not need much space to operate. Class II trucks consist of 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 cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which can raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an an internal combustion 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 utilized in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. These 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 burden and personnel carriers.