What Are The 7 Classes Of Forklifts?

Forklifts have been in use for more than a century. Today, they are widely used in warehouses and storage facilities. Before forklifts were readily available, people used simple customized systems for moving and lifting loads, such as pulleys, cables, ropes, etc. However, such improvised lifting and moving mechanisms were very unsafe. The improved forklift models used today ensure the safety of the forklift operators, customers, and other employees. A forklift training system can help your workers learn how to operate forklifts effectively. You can learn more about it before deciding which forklift training mode is the most appropriate for your workers.

Today’s forklifts are more efficient, versatile, and often powered by electricity. They are designed and manufactured in a way that makes them safe to operate. There are various kinds of forklifts available, from small and compact forklifts to larger equipment suitable for rough terrains. 

Forklifts are mainly used in facilities like manufacturing plants, storage facilities, and warehouses. It is important to prioritize quality and reliability while purchasing forklifts. As forklifts are crucial for business operations, you would want them to stay functional for many years. 

Forklift Trainers

If you own a warehouse or a manufacturing unit where forklifts are used, your business will benefit from having a forklift trainer. However, the person you choose to be the forklift trainer should meet the following criteria:

• The worker should be interested in being a forklift trainer and willing to handle the responsibility that comes with the position.
• They should have good communication skills.
• They should have worked with the company for a few years. Nevertheless, you should choose them only if they had a good safety record during this tenure.
• They should have the capability to operate the forklifts safely.
• They should be courageous enough to confront the workers who are not operating the forklifts safely.
• They should possess good organization and interaction skills.
• They must have some basic computer skills; they should know how to use PowerPoint.
• If the worker has coaching experience, they might make great forklift trainers.

Types Of Forklifts

Forklifts are divided into seven categories; your forklift operators need certification to use different types of forklifts. This classification depends on various factors, including features or characteristics of the forklifts, fuel options, and applications. The different classes of forklifts are: 

Class 1: Electric Motor Rider Truck

These forklifts come equipped with either pneumatic or cushion tires. You can use a cushion-tires lift truck indoors, on a smooth floor. On the other hand, pneumatic-tired models are ideal for outdoor applications. These machines run on industrial batteries. If air quality is an important consideration in your facility, you should use these forklifts, as they produce no emissions. There is also minimal noise involved in their usage. 

Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck

These forklifts are ideal for facilities that opt for extremely narrow aisle operations. Such forklifts allow these companies to maximize their storage space usage. These trucks’ unique design and features make it easy for forklift operators to use them efficiently and speedily in narrow spaces. 

Class 3: Hand-Rider Trucks Or Electric Motor Hand

These hand-controlled forklifts require an operator to be in front of the machine to control the lift through its steering tiller. The tiller has all the controls mounted on it. The operator steers the truck by moving the tiller from one side to the other. These are battery-powered vehicles. Smaller capacity units may utilize industrial batteries. 

Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Truck—Solid Or Cushion Tires

You may use these forklifts to transport palletized loads from and to the storage place and loading dock. They move best on smooth and dry floors. A pneumatic-tire forklift is higher to the ground than a forklift with cushion tires. Because of this, cushioned-tired forklifts are better suited for low-clearance applications. 

Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Truck—Pneumatic Tires

These forklifts are most commonly found in warehouses and can be used outside or inside your facility for almost any kind of application. An internal combustion engine powers these forklifts; you can use gasoline, compressed natural gas, diesel, and LPG to operate them. 

Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractor

Because of their versatility, these forklifts can be utilized in various applications. They are commonly used to pull or haul loads. 

Class 7: Rough Terrain Forklift Truck

These forklifts have large floatation tires that make them ideal for outdoor use. They are usually used to lift and transport building materials at construction sites. They are also great for auto recyclers and lumberyards. You must regularly maintain your forklift to ensure that they operate efficiently for a long time.