Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in many retail and warehouse environments for various daily task, like carrying heavy merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machinery are classified based on kind of engine or motor, kind of tires, and the way the equipment 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 used to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not require a lot of 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
IC engine forklifts are quite like typical car engines. These machinery do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine more stable.
Class V forklifts are like 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
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers that tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally utilized in agriculture, construction and logging. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
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 normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.