Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in retail and warehouse settings, like raising bulky product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The equipment are classified based on kind of tire, type of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often used to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
These trucks do not need much space to operate. Class II trucks include side-loading models and forklifts with swinging masts.
Class III forklifts - Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class IV forklifts - Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts
IC engine forklifts are quite similar to typical car engines. These machines do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine a lot more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are usually counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tires that are utilized. 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 are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, which are best used in rough terrains like construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.