Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in many warehouse and retail environments for various daily task, including lifting bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified based on kind of tire, kind of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that 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 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 automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment a lot more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. 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 which tow bulky loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are usually used in logging, agriculture and construction. These trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person who either pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes personnel and burden carriers.