The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various classes of lift trucks. These classes are broken down by the type of work environment; indoors, outdoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the type of engine; and finally the characteristics of the machinery, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following classes of lift trucks:
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 comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider unit.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
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 solid tires and electric motors.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion models. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Usually, these models are great for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts would consist of IC powered or electric units. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 lbs. This specific 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 used outdoors.
These categories were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, different working environments rely on various classes. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different kinds of engines and tires are made for particular applications. In order to select the best forklift to complete your tasks and to meet your requirements, do some research to know precisely what you would need from your specific unit. By speaking to a few respectable dealers and taking time to investigate all your alternatives, you can select the appropriate equipment.