Definition of Forklift Classes
The forklift is used in many warehouse and retail environments for various everyday task, including lifting heavy product, stocking shelves and delivering loads of goods. According to the Industrial Truck Association there are eight forklift categories. The machines are classified according to type of motor or engine, kind of tires, and the way the machine is steered. Forklifts are also known as lift trucks.
Class I forklifts - Electric Motor Forklifts
These are standard electric motor lift trucks. Types of Class I forklift include the sit-down, three-wheeled varieties which are commonly used 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
These trucks have engines like those found in automobiles. 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 because both have internal combustion engines and are usually counterbalanced. The difference is in the tires which 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 bulky loads and pull loads weighing over 450 kilograms. These trucks can come with either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Class VII lift trucks - Rough Terrain Vehicles
This class of lift truck has pneumatic tires and internal combustion engines. They are usually employed in construction, logging and agriculture. These type of 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 an individual who either 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.