The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various classes of lift trucks. These classifications are broken down by the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly the characteristics of the machine, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: these equipment consist of electric motor trucks that use either pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also include 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down models.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire units, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will include all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion units. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for use on hard surfaces and indoor application.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires. Normally, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 lbs. This class is engineered and designed to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outside.
The different classes of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different kinds of working environments rely on various classes in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different kinds of engines and tires are made for particular applications. To be able to pick the right forklift to complete your jobs and to meet all your needs, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your specific model. By talking to several respectable dealers and making time to investigate all your alternatives, you can pick the right machinery.