Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in many warehouse and retail settings for various daily task, like carrying heavy merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The machinery 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
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not require much space to operate. Class II trucks comprise side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
These trucks have engines like those found in automobiles. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires that are used. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which could raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could come with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, which are best used in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. 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 consists of burden and personnel carriers.