9 Types of Forklifts and Their Classes

Forklifts are essential devices for moving and transporting items, and they’re critically important in numerous professions including construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. If you own or manage a business that needs a forklift, you need to be aware of the different forklift classes and types. While the Forklift Wrecker attachment is well suited to most forklift types, we know that most of the clients we serve need forklifts to manage a number of tasks across their facility. 

Since different tasks require different types of forklifts, it’s crucial that you understand the different types and classes of forklifts, so you can select the best model for your facility before you make that investment. 

Understanding Forklift Classes

There are seven different forklift classes, and the different classes are used in various work situations and require distinct fuel types. The seven classes are:

• Class 1 – Electric Motor Rider Trucks: These trucks are fueled by electric batteries and are primarily used in indoor areas that contain smooth flooring. They’re often utilized in loading docks and storage facilities. The forklifts aren’t noisy, and they don’t pollute the air with emissions. Some of these forklifts work with the Forklift Wrecker. 

• Class 2 – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks: This battery-powered forklift is often used to move inventory in narrow areas. These vehicles are designed to reach tight areas, so they’re smaller than other forklifts. Most likely these will not work with the Forklift Wrecker

• Class 3 – Electric Motor Hand Trucks: The battery-powered electric motor hand truck is great for efficiently unloading deliveries and moving smaller loads. The forklift operator drives the truck with a steering tiller. These will not work with the Forklift Wrecker.

• Class 4 – Internal Combustion Engine with Cushion Tires: This forklift is either powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, and they’re primarily used on smooth flooring. These forklifts are especially effective in low-clearance situations because they sit low to the ground. Some of these forklifts work with the Forklift Wrecker.

• Class 5 – Internal Combustion Engine with Pneumatic Tires: These trucks are similar to Class 4, but their tires enable them to perform tasks both indoors and outdoors. They can handle both small and significant loads. Some of these forklifts work with the Forklift Wrecker.

• Class 6 – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors: Depending on the type of forklift, this Class is powered by battery, gas, or diesel. People use the tractor forklift outdoors when it’s equipped with a combustion engine, and it’s used indoors when powered by a battery. The Class 6 forklift type is ideal for bigger operations with a need for heavy-duty lifting. Especially for impound and repo lots, and even car storage lots, a class 6 forklift can provide the functionality you need both indoors and out. Some of these forklifts work with the Forklift Wrecker.

• Class 7 – Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks: These gas or diesel-powered trucks are perfect for areas with uneven ground and difficult terrain. They’re frequently used in lumber yards and construction sites. They’re also used to transport building materials at elevated work sites. Some of these forklifts work with the Forklift Wrecker.

9 Common Forklift Types

Many different types of forklifts fall under the seven different classes. Some of the most common types of forklifts include:

1. Side Loader: These forklifts are often utilized in manufacturing and steel service facilities. They’re ideal for situations in which operators need to navigate narrow areas and carry long items. These will not work with the Forklift Wrecker.

2. Warehouse Forklift: Warehouse forklifts can typically carry one to five tons. These forklifts are perfect for carrying items short distances and raising items, making them ideal in warehouse environments. 

3. Pallet Jack: Pallet jacks are compact and ideal for moving pallets. They’re not used for larger loads, and unlike other forklifts, the operator stands behind the device. These will not work with the Forklift Wrecker.

4. Walkie Stacker: Like pallet jacks, walkie stackers are designed for the operator to stand behind the forklift. They’re also primarily used for moving pallets, but they can elevate pallets to a greater height than pallet jacks. These will not work with the Forklift Wrecker.

5. Industrial Forklift: The industrial forklift is also known as the large capacity forklift. It’s designed to carry incredibly heavy loads, and they’re able to lift loads higher than standard warehouse forklifts. Some industrial forklifts can transport up to 36,000 pounds.

6. Counterbalance Forklift: The counterbalance forklift is ideal for situations in which drivers need to operate their forklift in a circle. Although the forklift is lighter and more maneuverable, it has back-mounted weight so that it can transport loads.  

7. Telehandler: The telehandler forklift comes equipped with an extendable arm attachment and boom, enabling it to transport loads to higher elevations. Telehandlers can typically lift around 5,500 pounds and can lift loads to around nineteen feet. 

8. Reach Fork Truck: This forklift is used indoors and is ideal for selecting and transporting pallets quickly. The fork reaches far past the forklift compartment, so it can lift pallets to and from high racks. 
9. Rough Terrain Forklift: Rough terrain forklifts come equipped with heavy-duty tires and a secure cage cab for operators. These forklifts are perfect for outdoor jobs and can carry between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds. 

If you’re looking for a forklift that can move and transport heavy loads like vehicles, warehouse forklifts, industrial forklifts, and counterbalance forklifts are great options. We know that most facilities require forklifts for a range of applications, not just one task, which is why it’s so important to understand all of the different classes and types, so you can make the best decision for your application. 

The Forklift Wrecker — A Forklift Attachment Compatible With Many Forklift Types

Although many types of forklifts can perform a variety of loading and transportation jobs, some situations may require you to lift and move vehicles. The most effective and easiest way to transport a vehicle with a forklift is by adding a Forklift Wrecker attachment. A Forklift Wrecker can attach directly to the forks of your existing forklift, and you can use it to move vehicles with ease.

The attachment is ideal for companies that move vehicles regularly including body shops, service garages, impound lots, and other businesses. The Forklift Wrecker can save your business time, money, and manpower. If your business transports cars frequently, you’ll streamline efficiency and reduce overhead costs through this affordable and durable forklift attachment. 

If you’re looking for a versatile, powerful tool to move small to medium-sized loads, the Forklift Wrecker attachment is one of the best on the market. Contact our team to learn more about how this versatile, convenient tool can help your business.

The material and information on this website are intended for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information on this website as a basis for making business, legal, or other decisions.