The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. 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 kind of engine; and finally the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: these equipment consist of electric motor trucks which utilize either pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider types.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
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 Internal Combustion or IC units. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models outfitted 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 units. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This category is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outdoors and powered by diesel engines.
The various categories of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different types of working environments rely on different categories in order to get their work done. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various kinds of tires and engines are made for specific operation. To be able to choose the right forklift to suit your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine precisely what you would require from your specific unit. By talking to several reputable dealers and making time to explore your options, you can select the right equipment.