The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 different categories of lift trucks. These categories are broken down by the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; and lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Several of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift classifications:
Category 1 Forklifts: these machines consist of electric motor trucks which use either 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: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider model.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC models. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Generally, they are suitable for applications on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these units are great for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outdoors.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outside.
The various classes of lift trucks help to keep them separated and organized. Different types of working environments depend on various classes in order to get their work done. Forklifts are rather specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. In order to pick the best forklift to suit all your requirements and to fulfill your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you will require from your specific model. By talking to some trustworthy dealers and making time to investigate all your alternatives, you could select the right equipment.