Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various daily tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, such as lifting bulky product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machines are classified according to type of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which 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 a lot of space to operate. Class II trucks consist of 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 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 usually counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks utilize pneumatic or radial tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
Class VI lift trucks are sit down trailers which tow heavy loads, loads up to 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have IC engines and pneumatic tires, that are best used in rough terrains such as construction, logging and agriculture. These kind of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is uneven and rough and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by an individual who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class includes burden and personnel carriers.