The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. These categories are divided into the kind of work environment; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck categories:
Class 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also include 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider types.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire units, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Category 4 Forklifts: The IC or internal combustion units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Generally, they are great for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Usually, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outdoors and powered by diesel engines.
These classifications were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, various working atmospheres rely on various classifications. Forklifts are rather specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for particular applications. In order to pick the best forklift to suit all your requirements and to complete your jobs, do some research to know precisely what you will require from your specific model. By talking to a few reputable dealers and making time to investigate your choices, you can choose the right machinery.