The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different categories of lift trucks. These classifications are broken down by the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; and finally the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. 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 that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider models.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts comprise hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are great for use on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks would consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular category is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
These classes were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, different working atmospheres depend on different classes. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various kinds of tires and engines are made for specific applications. To be able to choose the right forklift to fulfill your tasks and to meet your requirements, do some research to know exactly what you would require from your particular model. By talking to some reputable dealers and making time to explore all your options, you could choose the right machine.