The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different classes of lift trucks. These classifications are broken down by the kind of work environment; outdoors, indoors, smooth or rough surfaces 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 tire type. Several of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following lift truck classifications:
Class 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 that are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire units, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion models. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires. Usually, these models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This class is engineered and designed to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outdoors 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, different working atmospheres depend on different categories. Forklifts are quite specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. In order to choose the best forklift to complete your tasks and to meet your requirements, do some research to determine precisely what you will require from your particular unit. By talking to several reputable dealers and making time to investigate your alternatives, you could pick the right machine.