The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different classes of lift trucks. These classes are divided into the kind of work environment; outdoors, indoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; and finally the characteristics of the machinery, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the classes 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 forklifts also comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider units.
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 consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Generally, they are great for use on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Typically, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is designed and engineered to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outdoors and powered by diesel engines.
The various classifications of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different types of working environments rely on different classifications in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different kinds of tires and engines are made for particular operation. To be able to pick the best forklift to meet all your requirements and to complete your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you would need from your particular model. By talking to some trustworthy dealers and making time to investigate all your alternatives, you would be able to choose the appropriate machinery.