There are many different types of forklift trucks on the market, but they can generally be divided into seven classes, as classified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): electric motor rider trucks, electric motor narrow aisle trucks, electric motor hand or hand-rider trucks, internal combustion engine trucks with cushion tyres, internal combustion engine trucks with pneumatic tyres, electric and internal combustion engine tractors, and all-terrain or rough terrain forklifts.
Each class of forklift has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job. Electric motor rider trucks are good for general use; electric motor narrow aisle trucks are great for small spaces; electric motor hand or hand-rider trucks are ideal for tight spots; internal combustion engine trucks with cushion tyres are perfect for indoor use; internal combustion engine trucks with pneumatic tyres are good for outdoor use; electric and internal combustion engine tractors can handle heavy loads; and rough terrain forklifts are perfect for moving goods over uneven surfaces.
So, which forklift is right for you? Is it a new all-terrain forklift for sale or do you need a small electric motor forklift for indoor use? That depends on the specific job you need it to do. Continue reading to find out more about the different classes of forklifts: https://www.osha.gov/etools/powered-industrial-trucks/types-fundamentals/types/classes
Electric motor rider trucks are the most common type of forklift. They’re good for general use and can be used indoors or outdoors, with either cushion or pneumatic tyres. They’re powered by a battery or electric motor, so they’re emissions-free and quiet. Electric motor rider trucks come in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions and are generally used in worksites where air quality is of utmost importance.
Electric motor narrow aisle trucks are a common sight in storage facilities where there is limited space. They’re good for general use, especially when there is little turning room for equipment like forklifts. They’re powered by a battery or electric motor, so they’re emissions-free and quiet like electric motor rider trucks. That said, electric motor narrow aisle trucks are designed for use in tight spaces and have a smaller turning radius than electric motor rider trucks, so they’re ideal for warehouses and factories.
Electric motor hand or hand-rider trucks are the smallest type of forklift, as these machines are designed to have the operator in front of the truck, steering the machine with a steering tiller. They’re quite ideal for tight spots like narrow aisle trucks, where a regular electric motor rider truck wouldn’t fit. Electric motor hand or hand-rider trucks are powered by a battery or electric motor, so they’re emissions-free and quiet as well.
Internal combustion engine trucks with cushion tyres are designed for indoor use and low-clearance applications. They’re powered by a petrol or diesel engine, so depending on the worksite, it can be safe to use indoors with the proper ventilation. Internal combustion engine trucks with cushion tyres are fitted with such, so they can work on smooth indoor floors such as warehouses to lift and transport pallets.
Internal combustion engine trucks with pneumatic tyres are designed for outdoor use, though they can also be used indoors if there is enough space, and the ventilation permits safe use. They’re powered by a petrol or diesel engine, so they have enough power to perform and lift heavier pallet loads. Basically, internal combustion engine trucks are fitted with pneumatic tyres to help them move smoothly over outdoor surfaces.
Electric and internal combustion engine tractors are designed to handle heavier lifting capacities and larger piles. They’re powered by a battery or electric motor, or a petrol or diesel engine, so they’re versatile and available for a variety of applications. Electric and internal combustion engine tractors come in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions to provide users with more options.
All-terrain or rough terrain forklifts are designed for moving goods over uneven surfaces. They’re powered by a petrol or diesel engine, which make them best for outdoor use. These machines are equipped with large pneumatic tyres that help them perform on challenging terrain, such as those found in construction sites, lumber yards in forests and hills, craggy mining sites, and more.
And if you’re in the market for an outdoor forklift for sale, then you came to the right place. Here at Rough Terrain Forklifts, we provide you with a selection of reliable and dependable new all-terrain forklifts for sale at the best prices and with unparalleled customer service.
Check out this video of the ENFORCER Rough Terrain 4WD Forklift to see what it can do:
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So, which forklift is right for you? That depends on the specific job you need it to do. But, with seven different classes of forklifts to choose from, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs.
If you’re looking for a forklift that can handle your specific job, check out our range of forklifts and find the perfect one for you. We have electric and internal combustion engine forklifts in a variety of sizes, rough terrain forklifts that are perfect for moving goods over uneven surfaces, and a wide selection of forklifts for sale or for hire, whether brand-new or second-hand, available in a range of lift capacities and lift heights.
Not sure which forklift is right for your business? Our team of experts are here to make your life easier. We can help you choose the perfect forklift for your specific needs and make sure you’re up and running in no time.
So, what are you waiting for? Browse our forklifts and contact us today.