Definition of Forklift Classes
Forklifts are utilized in various daily tasks in both retail and warehouse environments, like raising heavy merchandise, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. Based on the Industrial Truck Association there are eight classes of forklift. The equipment are classified according to type of tire, type of motor or engine, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift include 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 include 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 similar to those found in cars. They come with either solid tires or cushion tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight in order to make the equipment much more stable.
Class V forklifts are similar to Class IV forklifts since both have IC engines and are normally counterbalanced. The difference is in the tire. Class V trucks use 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 more than 450 kilograms. These trucks can are available with either an electric motor or an IC engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are normally employed in agriculture, construction and logging. These kind of trucks are recommended for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These particular trucks are all manually operated by an individual who 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.