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Forklift Classification Chart: Forklifts are one of the most powerful vehicles for builders. Whether you need to move heavy loads in a warehouse or construction field, forklifts can safely lift objects humans cannot, making them indispensable on any job site.
Since there is a wide selection of styles and models, it can be difficult to select a forklift. Whether you’re looking to rent a forklift for your next project or purchase one, our guide covers the different forklift types, the benefits of each equipment, and popular forklift models to help choose the right forklift for your needs.
Contents
- 1 Forklift classifications
Forklift classifications
What are the different Forklift types?
Productivity and efficiency can be increased in the workplace if one chooses the correct equipment for his or her needs. Today, warehouse operators and fleet managers have a wide array of material handling equipment to choose from. Some of the popular options include aerial lifts, electric forklifts, LPG forklifts, pallet jacks, side loaders, and even automated guided vehicles (or AGVs). (Forklift Classification Chart)
If you are looking to get new equipment to accomplish key tasks more efficiently, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the forklift classifications set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Below is a detailed look at forklift classifications Classes I through VII, including their key features and benefits:
- Class I: Electric motor rider trucks
- Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle trucks
- Class III: Electric pallet jack
- Class IV: Cushion tire forklift
- Class V: Solid pneumatic tires
- Class VI: Electric forklift truck
- Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts
Electric motor rider trucks
Class I Forklift Classification Chart are electric motor riders. These electric-powered forklifts are ideal for loading and unloading tractor-trailers, handling pallets, and a number of other applications in industries ranging from food storage and retail to factory and general warehousing.
Because they are powered by an electric battery, Class I forklifts are much quieter and create no emissions, making them a popular choice for indoor applications. Batteries on Class I forklifts also function as part of the counterweight to help maintain lifting capacity.
Electric motor narrow aisle trucks
Class II Forklift Classification Chart is electric, narrow aisle models. As the name suggests, Class II forklifts are designed with maneuverability that allows them to operate in tight spaces and narrow aisles. This class of forklifts is perfect for picking and putting away inventory, and these trucks provide users the ability to increase racking space without expanding their current warehouse.
Toyota offers two Class II forklift models, and you can explore the unique features of each by clicking on the model name from the list below.
Electric pallet jack
Class III Forklift Classification Chart equipment includes electric pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors. This class of equipment comes in both rider and walk behind (“walkie”) models, perfect for unloading deliveries and moving loads to a staging area where they can be handled by other types of forklifts.
Toyota offers 10 Class III models, including three different stackers that are ideal for food and beverage storage industries, among others. Click on each forklift model below to learn more.
Cushion tire forklift
Class IV Forklift Classification Chart are internal combustion engine cushion tire trucks. This class of sit-down forklifts is designed for indoor use. Class IV forklifts are powered by internal combustion (IC) engines that run on diesel fuel, LP gas, gasoline, or compressed natural gas. Their solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces and they’re puncture-proof since they are not air-filled.
These forklifts offer users outstanding versatility for warehousing, distribution, retail, and automotive applications.
Solid pneumatic tires
Class V Forklift Classification Chart are internal combustion engine pneumatic tire trucks. Forklifts in this class are similar to those in Class IV but are designed primarily for outdoor use. These forklifts are highly durable and are ideal for lumberyards, construction sites, and other outdoor applications.
Electric forklift truck
Class VI Forklift Classification Chart equipment includes electric and internal combustion engine tow tractors. These machines are most commonly used for towing loads rather than lifting. Trucks in this class are ideal for use at airports but are also commonly used in assembly line areas.
Forklift Forklift Battery
Rough Terrain Forklifts
Class VII forklifts are rough terrain trucks. Trucks in this class feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use in rugged terrain. Class VII trucks are most commonly used at lumberyards or construction sites to lift building materials to elevated work sites.
Forklift Classification Chart
How to Choose A Forklift: Forklift Classification Chart
To choose a forklift from all the different types, you’ll need to think about how the machinery will be used. Here are general criteria to reference when choosing a forklift to make sure your selected equipment performs efficiently and safely:
- Determine the capacity. How much weight do you need to lift?
- Calculate the weight of your job site. Can the ground sustain the forklift?
- Measure the height of the space. Can your forklift pass through openings?
- Select the correct fuel type. Do you need battery power or gas?
- Analyze the terrain. Is the surface smooth or uneven?
Forklifts For Sale
Forklift types vary in several aspects, from their fuel type and tire composition to their lift capacity and height. It’s important to consider these different factors when selecting a forklift. With their ability to lift and transport things of various sizes, forklifts are valuable players on any job site.
Hoisting and Rigging
Forklift Classification Chart
Hoisting and rigging (H&R) refers to the lifting and moving of loads using mechanical devices. The objectives of the hoisting and rigging program are to protect personnel from injury, the environment from harm, and equipment and property from damage; specifically, to protect load operators and others in the work area, scientific equipment, other government property, and the hoisting and rigging equipment itself.
Hoisting and rigging is a complicated topic and can have significant safety consequences if not performed correctly. Fundamental to the H&R program, and consistent with Your Company’s integrated safety and environment management system, is the expectation that organizations involved in hoisting and rigging activities take responsibility to understand the hoisting and rigging requirements and apply them to their operations.
Forklift classification types
What are the different types of forklifts?The most popular forklift types on the market today are:
-Warehouse Forklift.
-Side Loader.
-Counterbalance Forklift.
-Telehandler.
-Industrial Forklift.
-Rough Terrain Forklift.
-Pallet Jack.
-Walkie Stacker.
Stand-up Reach forklifts are the most common variety and are mostly used when dispatching single loads into one bay. Alternatively, you can use a double-deep reach forklift, whose longer forks allow you to access bays with multiple pallet loads, as they will reach all the way to the back of the bay.
What are forklifts used for?A forklift (also called lift truck, jitney, fork truck, fork hoist, and forklift truck) is a powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials over short distances.
What kind of fuel do forklifts use?Internal combustion engine used in a forklift. Forklifts powered by internal combustion engines run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel fuel, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas.
The most read
Forklift Capacity Calculator
The capacity factor is important in your selection regardless of whether you are buying the truck with the attachment or are adding the attachment to a truck yourself.
Forklift Safety Procedures
Forklifts are extremely useful workplace vehicles, as long as they are used safely and appropriately by operators who are appropriately trained and competent to use them.
Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklifts
Overview
- Protect Workers Operating and Working Near Forklifts. OSHA Alert (Publication 3973), (2019).
- Safe Forklift Operation. OSHA QuickCard™ (Publication 3949), (2019).
- Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by OSHA and the Industrial Trucking Association (ITA) Alliance. OSHA notes that this checklist and related graphics were developed in cooperation with the ITA as part of the OSHA-ITA Alliance.
- Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety. OSHA thanks the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety for granting permission to use the checklists and related graphics.
- Protecting Young Workers: Prohibition Against Young Workers Operating Forklifts. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (September 30, 2003). Informs employers that youth employment regulations (29 CFR 570) promulgated under the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibit most employees under the age of 18 years from operating forklifts for non-agricultural operations and reminds employers that all forklift operators must be trained and certified.
- Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift). OSHA eTool. Provides information on OSHA's Powered Industrial Truck requirements [29 CFR 1910.178] and industry best practices.
What are powered industrial trucks?
Powered industrial trucks, commonly called forklifts or lift trucks, are used in many industries, primarily to move materials. They can also be used to raise, lower, or remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers. Powered industrial trucks can either be ridden by the operator or controlled by a walking operator. Over-the-road haulage trucks and earth-moving equipment that has been modified to accept forks are not considered powered industrial trucks.
What are the hazards associated with operating powered industrial trucks?
There are many types of powered industrial trucks. Each type presents different operating hazards. For example, a sit-down, counterbalanced high-lift rider truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Workplace type and conditions are also factors in hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks. For example, retail establishments often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety. Beyond that, many workers can also be injured when (1) lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks; (2) lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trailer; (3) they are struck by a lift truck; or (4) they fall while on elevated pallets and tines.
It is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified to do so. Download the Sticker.
What can be done to reduce the hazards related to powered industrial trucks?
Determining the best way to protect workers from injury largely depends on the type of truck operated and the worksite where it is being used. Employers must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1).
Standards
Powered industrial trucks are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry and maritime.
Hazards and Solutions
Provides references that may aid in recognizing hazards associated with powered industrial trucks and provides examples of possible solutions.
Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to powered industrial trucks.
- Protect Workers Operating and Working Near Forklifts. OSHA Alert (Publication 3973), (2019).
- Safe Forklift Operation. OSHA QuickCard™ (Publication 3949), (2019).
- Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by OSHA and the Industrial Trucking Association (ITA) Alliance. OSHA notes that this checklist and related graphics were developed in cooperation with the ITA as part of the OSHA-ITA Alliance.
- Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks. Prepared by the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety. OSHA thanks the UAW-Ford National Joint Committee on Health and Safety for granting permission to use the checklists and related graphics.
- Protecting Young Workers: Prohibition Against Young Workers Operating Forklifts. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (September 30, 2003). Informs employers that youth employment regulations (29 CFR 570) promulgated under the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibit most employees under the age of 18 years from operating forklifts for non-agricultural operations and reminds employers that all forklift operators must be trained and certified.
- Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift). OSHA eTool. Provides information on OSHA's Powered Industrial Truck requirements [29 CFR 1910.178] and industry best practices.