The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different classes of lift trucks. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; indoors, outdoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following forklift categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider types.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down units.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire units, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck would include all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel based with solid tires.
Class 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 indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 lbs. This class is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
These classifications were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, various working atmospheres rely on various classifications. Forklifts are quite particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific applications. In order to choose the best forklift to meet all your needs and to complete your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you would require from your particular unit. By talking to a few respectable dealers and taking time to investigate all your options, you can select the right equipment.