Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in numerous warehouse and retail environments for a variety of daily task, including carrying heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machinery are classified based on kind of tire, kind of motor or engine, and the way the equipment 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 comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are commonly utilized to transport 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 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 solid tires or cushion tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine a lot more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tires that are utilized. Class V trucks utilize radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could raise heavy loads and pull loads weighing more than 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 such as agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.