Below is a reference guide to the 7 different classifications of forklifts that are available in the market today. This useful guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right for your company.
CLASS 1 – ELECTRIC MOTOR RIDER TRUCKS
A Class 1 unit is powered by an industrial battery and electric motor. These types of units are becoming more and more popular due to the growing emphasis placed on emissions standards. While most of these forklifts have cushion tires more manufacturers producing Class 1 units with pneumatics tires as well. Class 1 machines are best used in indoor warehouse applications on dry smooth surfaces, but can travel outdoors when there is a dry paved surface.
CLASS 2 – ELECTRIC MOTOR NARROW AISLE TRUCKS
the Class 1 trucks, the Class 2 forklifts are also powered by an industrial battery and electric motor. These units all have cushion tires and need to be used in smooth indoor warehouse environments. These forklifts allow for a much tighter and higher warehouse application due to their smaller footprint. When space in your warehouse is at a premium, and you need to build “up” rather then “out”, these are the types of forklifts to consider.
CLASS 3 – ELECTRIC MOTOR HAND TRUCKS OR HAND-RIDER TRUCKS
Class 3 units are designed to lift heavy loads a few inches off the ground and transport them throughout your warehouse. There is a walk behind style unit, and a ride on style unit that is available. All the units provide hand controls to the operator. Most of the time they are located on the tiller, which will steer the unit. Generally these units have a capacity range of a few hundred LBS, up to 8,000LBS.
CLASS 4 – INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRUCKS – CUSHION TIRE
Powered by an internal combustion engine these units should be used on smooth/dry surfaces only. These units can be used in both inside and outside applications. The have a lower ground clearance then a pneumatic Class 5 fork truck, so they do not due well on rough ground. Class 4 fork trucks generally run on LP gas, Compressed Natural Gas, and diesel fuel, and have a capacity range of 2,000LBS to 80,000LBS. (Some manufacturers may make a higher capacity unit)
CLASS 5 – INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRUCKS – PNEUMATIC TIRE
Probably the most versatile of warehouse lifts, the Class 5 fork truck can be seen being used in almost any type of application. Their higher ground clearance allows them to be used both in-door, and outdoor, and on a variety of different surfaces. These forklifts can be run on LP Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, gasoline, and diesel fuel. The capacity range is generally 3,000LBS to 110,000LBS. (Some manufacturers may make a higher capacity unit)
CLASS 6 – ELECTRIC & INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRACTORS
Class 6 forklifts are commonly referred to as “Tuggers” or “Tow Tractors”. Rather then lifting a load these units will tow the load instead to move it. Whenever someone mentions one of these units to me I just picture an airport. These units are commonly seen transporting our luggage to and from the plane. They can come with either an electric motor, or an internal combustion engine, and can be used in an in-door or outdoor applications depending on the style of Class 6 unit you need.
CLASS 7 – ROUGH TERRAIN FORK TRUCKS
Class 7 Rough Terrain forklifts are easily identifiable by there large front tires which allow them to work on difficult surfaces. These units are used a lot in construction, lumber, and scrap applications. They come in both 4x4 and 4x2, and can have a straight mast like a warehouse forklift or a telescoping mast depending on what you require. Generally these units have an internal combustion engine and run on gasoline or diesel fuel.
