Seven Types of Forklifts Defined by the Industrial Truck Association

Forklift Classes by the Industrial Truck Association The seven classes of forklifts defined by the Industrial Truck Association are characterized by engine type, working environment, operator position, and equipment features. The forklift classes include: Class I: Electric forklifts equipped with pneumatic or cushion tires; Class II: Narrow-aisle electric forklifts equipped with solid tires; Class III: Electric hand pallet trucks/hand trucks equipped with solid tires; Class IV: Internal combustion sit-down rider forklifts equipped with cushion tires, suitable for hard surfaces and indoor operations; Class V: Internal combustion sit-down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires, suitable for outdoor use on rough surfaces; Class VI: Electric or internal combustion stand-up rider forklifts that can tow (rather than lift) loads of at least 1,000 pounds, not intended for material lifting; Class VII: Rough-terrain forklifts generally equipped only with diesel engines and pneumatic tires, suitable for rugged terrain and outdoor use. Since Class I through Class V forklifts are primarily used for indoor material handling applications, *MMH Modern Materials Handling* magazine only includes these types of forklifts in its supplier ranking tables.