Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, like raising heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The machines are classified according to kind of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular 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 include 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 standard 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 vehicle much more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires that are used. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, that are best used in rough terrains such as agriculture, construction and logging. These kind of 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 usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.