Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in a variety of everyday tasks in both warehouse and retail environments, like raising heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The equipment are classified according to kind of tire, kind of engine or motor, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also called lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift consist of 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 require a lot of 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 like regular automobile engines. These machinery do come with solid tires or cushion tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the vehicle much more stable.
Both Class IV and Class V are normally counterbalance forklifts with internal combustion engines. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks utilize radial or pneumatic tires.
Tractors
Class VI forklifts - Towing Tractor Lift Trucks
These trucks are sit-down tractors which can raise bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could are available with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has internal combustion engines and pneumatic tires. They are normally employed in construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is uneven and rough.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These trucks are hand pallet lift trucks operated by a person 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.