Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are used in a variety of everyday tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, like raising bulky merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift classes. The machines are classified according to kind of motor or engine, kind of tires, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as 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 which are often used to move 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 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 cars. They come with either cushion tires or solid tires. Often the back of the truck has a counterweight to make the vehicle much more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires that are used. 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 heavy loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks could 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, which are best utilized in rough terrains like construction, logging and agriculture. These type of trucks are great for worksites where the ground is riddled with debris and is rough and uneven.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by an individual who pulls or pushes the vehicle. The forks are normally operated hydraulically, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of burden and personnel carriers.