Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in various everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse settings, like raising heavy product, delivering loads of goods and stocking shelves. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The equipment are classified according to kind of tire, type of motor or engine, 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 that are commonly utilized to transport pallets of mulch at home goods stores.
Class II forklifts - Narrow Aisle Electric Motor Lift Trucks
Narrow aisle trucks do not need a lot of space for operation. Class II trucks consist of 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 solid tires or cushion tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the machine a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks come with 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 could 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, that are best used in rough terrains such as logging, agriculture and construction. These type of trucks are great 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 a person who either pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are normally hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.