Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous retail and warehouse settings for various everyday task, like lifting heavy merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified based on kind of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often utilized 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 include 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 standard automobile 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 more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tires that are used. Class V trucks come with 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 over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally used in construction, logging and agriculture. 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 particular trucks are all manually operated by a person who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.