Forklift classes are a standardized system established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) to categorize powered industrial trucks. All forklifts are divided into seven classes (Class 1–7) based on their power source, tire type, design, and operating environment.
Class I – Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Power Source: Battery-electric
Tires: Cushion or pneumatic
Examples: Counterbalanced forklifts, 3-wheel and 4-wheel electric forklifts
Best For: Indoor warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and environments with air quality requirements
Key Advantage: Zero emissions, quiet operation, low maintenance
Class II – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
Power Source: Battery-electric
Tires: Solid/cushion
Examples: Reach trucks, turret trucks, side loaders, order pickers
Best For: High-density warehousing with narrow aisles (as narrow as 56 inches)
Key Advantage: Maximizes storage density in tight spaces
Class III – Electric Motor Hand or Hand/Rider Trucks
Power Source: Battery-electric
Tires: Solid
Examples: Electric pallet jacks, walkie stackers, tow tractors
Best For: Short-distance horizontal transport, loading docks, retail backrooms
Key Advantage: Compact, maneuverable, operator walks behind or rides on platform
Class IV – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Cushion Tires
Power Source: Internal combustion (LPG, gasoline, diesel, CNG)
Tires: Cushion (solid, smooth)
Examples: Counterbalanced forklifts
Best For: Indoor use on smooth, flat surfaces such as concrete floors
Key Advantage: High power for heavy loads, no battery charging downtime
Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Pneumatic Tires
Power Source: Internal combustion (LPG, gasoline, diesel, CNG)
Tires: Pneumatic (air-filled, treaded)
Examples: Counterbalanced forklifts
Best For: Mixed indoor and outdoor use, uneven or rough surfaces
Key Advantage: Versatile, excellent traction on gravel, dirt, and wet surfaces
Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Power Source: Battery-electric or internal combustion
Tires: Varies
Examples: Tow tractors, tuggers
Best For: Towing multiple trailers or carts over long distances
Key Advantage: Designed for towing, not lifting
Class VII – Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Power Source: Internal combustion (typically diesel)
Tires: Large pneumatic with deep treads
Examples: Telehandlers (telescopic handlers), vertical mast rough terrain forklifts
Best For: Construction sites, lumber yards, agricultural fields, uneven outdoor terrain
Key Advantage: 4WD, high ground clearance, heavy-duty suspension
Summary
The OSHA/ITA classification system organizes forklifts into seven classes based on power source, tire type, and application. Class I–III are electric and primarily for indoor use; Class IV–V are internal combustion for indoor/outdoor mixed use; Class VI are tractors for towing; Class VII are rough terrain for outdoor construction and off-road applications. Understanding these classes is essential for selecting the right equipment for your operation and for complying with OSHA operator training requirements under 29 CFR 1910.178.