Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous retail and warehouse environments for a variety of daily task, like carrying heavy 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 kind of motor or engine, type of tires, and the way the equipment is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often utilized 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 comprise 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 standard automobile engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Normally the back of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment much more stable.
Both Class V and Class IV are normally counterbalance forklifts with IC engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks come with pneumatic or radial 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 internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, which are best utilized in rough terrains like agriculture, construction and logging. 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 particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are usually operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.