The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of lift trucks. These classes are broken down by the type of work environment; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and finally 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 classes of forklifts:
Class 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also consist of 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: Includes pneumatic tire models, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Usually, they are great for applications on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Typically, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either IC powered or electric units. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular category is engineered and designed to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
These categories were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, different working atmospheres rely on different classifications. Forklifts are rather specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various kinds of engines and tires are made for specific applications. In order to choose the best forklift to complete your jobs and to meet all your needs, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your particular model. By speaking to a few respectable dealers and making time to investigate your options, you would be able to select the appropriate machinery.