The Seven Classes Of Forklifts You Should Know About.

21st Jun 2021

Question: Is it possible to find a forklift that perfectly matches the kind of work that I need to do?

Answer: Yes, that is very possible. Forklifts usually come in different classes that group them according to their unique features. To answer your question I'll share with you the different classes that we have and then from there, you will be able to identify the right forklift for the kind of work you need to do.

Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks

These electrically powered trucks are normally flexible when it comes to the type of tires that can be used with them. If you intend to use them indoors you can fit them with the cushion tires while for outdoor use you can fit them with pneumatic tires. Since they are powered using electricity you can rest assured that they have limited emissions thus making them environmentally friendly. You can use them for loading and unloading trailers and they are also ideal for handling pallets.

Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks

If space is a major concern in your warehouse then you will find the battery powered narrow aisle forklifts very useful. They are normally designed with a smaller frame that allows them to fit in very narrow spaces as they take up very little space. You will, therefore, find their speed and efficiency beneficial for handling pallets and storage of inventory in narrow aisles. Since they allow for easy maneuverability in tight spaces they help enhance safety as they reduce chances of tailback accidents common with larger forklifts.

Class III: Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks

They are usually powered through the use of batteries and give you the option to either ride on them or walk behind them during motion. They are hand-controlled through the use of a tiller that comes with controls. To steer it in the right direction you need to move the tiller side to side as needed. You will find them very efficient when it comes to unloading delivery trucks and moving load over short distances. However, they can only lift the load for a few inches which makes them less efficient for stacking inventory in highly located racks.

Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tires)

These forklifts are usually powered through the use of either gas or Diesel. The perfect tires for them to produce much more efficient work is the solid/cushion tires. Since these types of forklifts are much lower to the ground, they are much more suitable for low-clearance operations. You will find them much more effective for transporting inventory from the loading dock and vice versa.

Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)

Just like the class IV forklifts, these forklifts are powered through the use of either gas or diesel. They are normally fitted with Pneumatic Tires which makes them perfect for both indoor expansive warehouses and outdoor work where the terrain is a bit rough. They come with a capacity to handle loads of different sizes which makes them the forklifts to go for in case you need to handle different kinds of load capacities for diverse environments.

Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors

They are mostly powered through the use of either battery, gas, or diesel. These forklifts come with a very sturdy frame and therefore have a very diverse range of applications. You will most likely find them either pulling or hauling different kinds of loads as opposed to doing any kind of lifting.

Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Truck

As their name suggests they are more suited for outdoor work in tough terrains that are a bit cumbersome for the normal forklifts to maneuver. So you are most likely to find these gas or diesel powered forklifts in construction sites or lumberyards and areas where high lifting forms a major part of the operations. You can even customize them with a telescoping mast to achieve more height.

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