The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various classes of lift trucks. These classes are broken down by the type 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 lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here 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 forklifts also include 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
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.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with solid tires and electric motors.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift would comprise all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC units. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Typically, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks would consist of IC powered or electric units. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This category is engineered and designed to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outdoors.
The different classes of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different types of working atmospheres depend on different classifications in order to get their work done. Forklifts are quite particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for particular operation. To be able to select the best forklift to meet all your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine precisely what you would require from your particular model. By speaking to several reputable dealers and taking time to explore all your alternatives, you could pick the right machinery.