Beginner’s Guide to Industrial Forklifts: Class I Through Class VII

Written by Staff Writer

Forklifts keep work moving. Pallets, steel, heavy boxes: You name it, they lift it. Without them, warehouses pause. Job sites drag. Supply chains stumble.

Still, one forklift isn’t the same as the next. Each has its own role. Each has its own risks too. OSHA built a classification system for forklifts, and it helps keep everyone protected. 

A crew might have to stop mid-shift because an operator wasn’t trained for that class of truck. It can cost an entire day or more.

Training solves that gap. It links the rules to real-world use. It gives operators confidence in the driver’s seat.

This guide breaks down the seven forklift classes. You’ll learn how they are defined, where they are used and what makes Class 7 forklifts unique. 

By the end, you’ll understand why proper classification, and proper training, are non-negotiable in any workplace that relies on powered industrial trucks. 

The 7 Forklift Classes

Walk into a warehouse or drive past a busy dock. What do you see? You’ll most likely spot a forklift hauling a heavy load.

At first, they seem alike: same forks and same basic shape. But they aren’t the same. Each type is built for a different job.

One type slips down a narrow aisle without scraping a shelf. Another rumbles across gravel like a small truck. Some are quiet enough for cold storage rooms, and others can take the abuse of a muddy construction site. 

OSHA sorts them all into seven classes. The division is by fuel, build and where the forklift does its job best. If you operate one, it’s essential to know which class it belongs to.

Class I – Electric Motor Rider Trucks

These run on big industrial batteries. The battery also acts as a counterweight, giving stability. They’re quiet. They’re common in warehouses where clean air and low noise are important.

Where You’ll See This Type

You’ll usually spot Class I forklifts indoors. They’re especially useful in food storage areas, busy warehouses or docks where clean air is a must.

Class II – Electric Motor Narrow-Aisle Trucks

Think order pickers and reach trucks. Small frames, tight turns. They shine in cramped spaces and high racks.

How It’s Used

Operators rely on these trucks to move pallets in tight distribution centers. They’re designed to stack goods high in narrow aisles without wasting space.

Class III – Electric Motor Hand or Hand/Rider Trucks

You’ve seen these. Pallet jacks. Walkie stackers. Sometimes the operator walks beside them. Sometimes they ride standing up. Best for short moves and low lifts.

Common Spots

Class III trucks are common in retail warehouses and loading docks. They handle short trips across smooth floors where speed and efficiency matter.

Class IV – Cushion Tire Forklifts with Internal Combustion

The vehicles in this class are sit-down forklifts with special, indoor tires made of rubber. To be classified in this series of trucks, the vehicle must be powered through what is called internal combustion. 

Where They Work Best

Remember, the tires for this class of trucks are designed for the indoors. So, look for them in warehouses and industrial plants. Just don't think about taking a Class IV truck outdoors because it won't end well.

Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Pneumatic Tires

These go anywhere, indoors or out. Pneumatic tires can take rougher ground. Their tires are built tough, so they don’t quit on uneven surfaces. Many sites rely on them. 

Everyday Use

Class V forklifts show up in shipping yards, recycling centers and construction depots. They handle rough ground well. 

Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors

These don’t lift. They pull. You’ll see them towing luggage at airports or supplies across big factories.

Where You’ll Notice Them

They show up in airports, auto plants and assembly lines. Instead of lifting, they tow large loads like baggage trains or factory materials.

Class VII – Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

Class VII forklifts are designed for the outdoors. They usually run on diesel. Their tires are large, heavy and built to grip ground that normal wheels would sink into. Mud, gravel and even uneven dirt: these trucks keep going.

Portable Options Exist

Some models stay on site. Others can travel with delivery trucks. Handy, right?

Why learn all seven forklift classes? To save money, prevent damage and keep people safe. Otherwise, disaster can strike.

Some examples:

• Using an outdoor forklift inside can tear up floors.
• A large lift in a tight space can block walkways.
• Poor choices slow down the whole team.

Why does this matter? Safety, compliance, less downtime and for you, a stronger career path.

Regulations and Rules

Under OSHA’s Powered Industrial Truck Standard (29 CFR 1910.178), operators need training before touching the controls. First comes instruction, then hands-on practice. Finally, an evaluation of skill before being able to legally, and safely use a PIT on a worksite.

Some key rules stand out:

• Operators must be 18 or older.
• Training has to match the equipment, workplace and safety steps.
• Employers check operator performance at least every three years.
• Forklifts get regular inspections and upkeep, using the manual and OSHA’s checklists.

Skipping training may feel harmless at first. In practice, it can lead to problems like:

• Costly fines from safety regulators
• Damaged forklifts or other equipment
• Shut-down worksites that delay everyone’s job
• Serious injuries that could have been avoided

Why take that risk when one course can prevent it?

Why Forklift Training Actually Matters

Think about it this way: your boss needs proof that you’re cleared to handle a forklift. It’s the law. 

Through safety training, workers learn to:

• Read forklift capacity charts
• Understand a vehicle’s center of gravity
• Maintain equipment through daily visual checks and scheduled maintenance
• Communicate effectively with signalers and spotters on site

It’s not just rules on paper. It’s about keeping people safe.

4 Reasons Why Online Training Works Well 

So, training is required. No debate there.

The real question is: How do you take it? Some prefer a classroom. Others find that clicking into an online course fits their lives better. Consider these benefits when enrolling in your forklift course.

1. Interactive Tools for Learning

Expect more than dry reading. Quizzes test your knowledge, visuals make concepts clear and scenarios bring training into the real world.

2. Compliance Confidence Without Worry

Don't worry; each course matches national standards. That means the certificate you earn carries weight in warehouses, factories and job sites across the country.

3. Ready-to-Download Certificate After Completion

The moment you finish, your certificate is ready to download. You’ll also get a plastic card in the mail to carry with you.

4. Training on Your Time

Classroom hours can clash with busy lives. Online training doesn’t. You can log in at night, after a shift or on a Sunday afternoon. 

Start Today

Wondering what comes next? If you're ready to choose safety and advance your career by learning forklift safety and compliance, then online forklift training with OSHA Education Center is the next right step.

OSHA Education Center’s PIT courses follow federal standards, and you can complete the course on your own time. How does getting ahead and while staying compliant sound?

You can start today. Move at your own pace. Carry the lessons from job to job. The sooner you begin, the safer your next shift will be.