Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, such as lifting heavy merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified according to kind of tire, type of engine or motor, 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 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 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
These trucks have engines similar to those found in cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine a lot more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires that are utilized. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could lift heavy loads and pull loads weighing more than 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are normally used in agriculture, construction and logging. These kind of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific 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.