Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in many warehouse and retail environments for a variety of everyday task, like lifting bulky merchandise, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight categories of forklift. The machinery are classified according to kind of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are often used to move pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not require much 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
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to regular car engines. These equipment do come with cushion tires or solid tires. usually the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the equipment a lot 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 which are used. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors that could raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, that 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 trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by an individual who either pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.