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Your Guide to The Different Types of Forklifts

Apr. 3 2023 Buying Guide By Quality Forklift Sales and Service

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In order to select the right forklift for the job, it’s important to know how many different types are available to you. Below, we’ve outlined the many different forklift models, how they’re categorized, and which option may be the right fit for you. If you’re on the hunt for a new forklift, be sure to read over our helpful guide before visiting us here at Quality Forklift Sales & Service to start browsing for your new model.

How Are Forklifts Categorized?

Forklifts are typically split into seven different classes, with each class having its own unique benefits and specializations. However, class isn’t the only way to categorize a forklift, as size and tire type are also common ways to index these machines. Usually, forklifts fall into three size categories: standard—which is typically ten feet long or smaller, narrow—which measures under five feet, and long— which is geared toward outdoor use and measures over ten feet in length. If you’re shopping by tire type instead of size, you’ll only have to choose between two options: pneumatic tires, which are better for high-load capacities, and cushion tires, which are designed for smooth surfaces.

What Are The Classes of Forklifts?

Battery or Electric Fuel Type

  • Class I: Designed for indoor use where air quality is a concern
  • Class II: Best suited for narrow spaces
  • Class III: Best for short distances, and often used to load delivery trucks
  • Class VI: Used to haul and tow cargo, and can come in a variety of fuel types

Gas or Diesel Fuel Type

  • Class IV: For low-clearance job sites
  • Class V: Best for rough terrain, both indoor and outdoor
  • Class VII: Designed for high elevations or uneven terrain

If you’re shopping by forklift type or style rather than class, you’ll have your choice of warehouse, side loader, and counterbalance models. These are bracketed based on the forklift’s movement or weight capacity, with warehouse models lifting the heaviest loads, counterbalance coming in second thanks to their added back-mounted weight, and side loaders focusing more on agility than lifting power.

Ready to start shopping for your new forklift? Be sure to visit our convenient location here in Shakopee, Minnesota! We offer an enormous inventory of equipment for you to browse through, as well as helpful financing, repair, and rental services.