Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse settings, like lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machinery are classified based on kind of motor or engine, type of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that 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 need a lot of 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
These trucks have engines similar to those found in cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts since both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires that are utilized. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic 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 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 rough and uneven.
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 operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.