Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in numerous retail and warehouse environments for various everyday task, including lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machines are classified based on kind of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which 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 require much 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 standard car engines. These equipment do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
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 construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are great 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 an individual who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.