Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is utilized in numerous warehouse and retail settings for various everyday task, including carrying bulky 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 kind of engine or motor, type of tires, and the way the machinery is steered. Forklifts are also referred to as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
This class includes all regular electric motor lift trucks. Kinds of Class I forklift comprise the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties that are often utilized to move 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 consist of 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 regular car engines. These machines do come with cushion tires or solid tires. Often the rear of the truck has a counterweight to make the machine a lot more stable.
Class V forklifts are like Class IV forklifts because both have internal combustion engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which are utilized. Class V trucks use radial or pneumatic 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 could are available with either an an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
Class VII lift trucks have pneumatic tires and IC engines, which are best used in rough terrains such as construction, logging and agriculture. These trucks are great for worksites where the ground is rough and uneven and riddled with debris.
Class VIII forklifts - Manual Lift Trucks
These specific trucks are all manually operated by a person who pushes or pulls the vehicle. The forks are usually hydraulically operated, and have a low maximum lift height. This class consists of personnel and burden carriers.