The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. These categories are divided into the kind of work environment; indoors, outdoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the kind of engine; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift classifications:
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 include 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider units.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks consist of hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion units. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Generally, they are great for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is IC Engine sit down rider forklifts outfitted with pneumatic tires. Usually, these models are great for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks would consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular category is engineered and designed to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
The various classes of lift trucks help to keep them separated and organized. Various types of working environments rely on different classes in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. To be able to select the right forklift to suit all your requirements and to fulfill your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you would need from your particular model. By talking to a few respectable dealers and making time to investigate your options, you will be able to select the appropriate machinery.