FORKLIFT DESIGN AND CLASSIFICATIONS
Most of us have a good idea of what a forklift looks like but there are actually seven specific classifications of forklifts or industrial trucks. The classifications are established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and include the following types of forklifts:
Class I: Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Counterbalance Ride 4 Wheel Cushion, 3 Wheel Sit-Down Cushion, 4 Wheel Sit-Down either type of tire, Counterbalance 3 Wheel Stand-Up Electric
Class II: Electric Narrow Aisle Trucks
High-Lift Straddle, Reach Truck, Order Picker, Reach Type Outrigger, Side-Loader: Platform, Side-Loader: High-Lift Pallet, Turret Truck, Low-Lift: Platform, Low-Lift Pallet
Class III: Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Low-Lift Platform, Low Lift Walkie Pallet, Center Control, Walkie Stacker, Floor-Runner Tow Tractor, Reach Type Outrigger, High-Lift Straddle, Single Face Pallet, High-Lift Platform, High-Lift Counterbalance, Low Lift Walkie/Rider Pallet and End Control
Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Truck(Solid/Cushion Tires)
Fork, Counterbalanced
Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
Fork, Counterbalanced
Class VI: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Sit-Down Rider (Draw Bar Pull Over 999 lbs.)
Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Vertical Mast Type, Variable Reach Type, Truck/Trailer Mounted
These classifications give some general differences between forklifts, such as different types of tires, power sources and terrain. Within each classification, there are also options for load-bearing, maneuverability and control.
Forklifts can be fitted with pneumatic tires, which are made of a durable rubber that can go outdoors. These tires can be similar to the tires on your car, or solid tires, called cushion tires in the industry, which are made of solid rubber, typically used on forklifts that will be used indoors on hard and flat surfaces.
Aside from the tires, there are some basic elements that make up most forklifts. They include:
Frame: The foundation of all the forklift parts
Counterweight: Used to stabilize the forklift when lifting heavy loads
Power Source: Usually liquid propane gas, gasoline, diesel engine or batteries
Mast: Hydraulically operated lift used to raise and lower a load
Forks: Prongs that lift up a wooden pallet
Load Back-Rest: Keeps the load from shifting backwards
Overhead Guard: Protects the operator from a falling load
Forklifts can be outfitted with different attachments, such as for carrying barrels or rolls of paper instead of lifting pallets, and each type of forklift class is designed for certain types of loads and specific working conditions.
Forklift operators are expected to pass a test specific for the type of forklift they will be using before they’re allowed to operate a forklift.
For more details, contact the dealer closest to you:
11 Defco Park Road, North Haven, CT 06473
Phone: 203-239-5351
Fax: 203-234-8090
39 Murphy Road, Franklin, CT 06254
Phone: 860-642-4377
Fax: 860-642-4521
37 Ramah Circle, Agawam, MA 01001
Phone: 413-789-4537
Fax: 413-789-4361
63 Mall Drive, Commack, NY 11725
Phone: 631-236-4466
Fax: 631-864-2382
2500 Route 208, Walden, NY. 12586
Phone: 845-764-8466
Fax: 845-522-8173
Source: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/forklift/types/classes.html#class1
Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/forklift2.htm
Source: http://www.toyotaforklift.com/category/lifttrucks.aspx
