All forklifts (also known as lift trucks) are categorized into Seven Classes, ranging from category I to category VII. The classifications are based on the fuel type, application and features of the forklifts. 

• Class I. Electric Motor Rider Trucks

• Class II. Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks

• Class III. Electric Motor Hand or Hand/Rider Trucks

• Class IV. Internal Combustion Engine Trucks. Cushion Tires

• Class V. Internal Combustion Engine Trucks. Pneumatic Tires

• Class VI. Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors

• Class VII. Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

CLASS I. ELECTRIC MOTOR RIDER TRUCKS

A class I. forklift has an electric motor, and operator may either stand or sit when operating the truck. These forklifts have a heavy battery used to power the truck that also acts as a counterweight, so they are also referred as 'counterbalanced'. The class I. forklifts are mostly designed with 3 wheels, but also you can find some of them come in 4 wheels. For outdoor applications, the truck is designeds using pneumatic tires, while cushion-tired trucks are best for indoor applications. 

We can see more advantages or benefits of Class I. forklifts:

• Quieter than internal combustion (IC) forklifts

• Ideally for places with strict air quality standards

• Low operating and maintenance costs

CLASS II. ELECTRIC MOTOR NARROW AISLE TRUCK

Class II. forklifts are electric, narrow aisle models which are designed with maneuverability that allows 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. Examples of class II. forklifts include high lift straddle, order picker, reach truck, side loader,  turret truck, low lift platform, stand up rider, low lift pallet.

CLASS III. ELECTRIC MOTOR HAND OR HAND/RIDER TRUCKS

These lifts are mostly used for unloading deliveries and moving loads which require low lifts, includes electric pallet jacks, low lift platform, low lift walkie/rider pallet, stackers, and tow tractors. 

CLASS IV. INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRUCKS. (Solid/CUSHION TIRES)

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. Some of class IV. forklifts are counterbalanced and can be used in both indoor and outdoor on dry smooth ground surface.

CLASS V. INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRUCKS. PNEUMATIC TIRES

The Class V. is very flexible class of forklifts, can be used inside or outside due to their pneumatic tires and have a wide range of capacities. These forklifts are highly durable and are ideal for lumberyards, construction sites, and other outdoor applications.

CLASS VI. ELECTRIC AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TRACTORS   

Those machines are mostly used more for pulling loads than lifting. They can be can be either internal combustion or electric. Trucks in this class are ideal for use at airports, but are also commonly used in assembly line areas.

CLASS VII. ROUGH TERRAIN FORKLIFT TRUCKS

Class VII. forklifts are heavy duty like rough terrain trucks. These can be found at sites that require a lot of power like construction sites, auto recyclers, and lumber yards. Trucks in this class feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use in rugged terrain.