The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 different categories of forklifts. These classifications are broken down by the kind of work setting; indoors, outdoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and finally the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following lift truck categories:
Class 1 Forklifts: these equipment comprise electric motor trucks that utilize either air filled or pneumatic 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 units.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with solid tires and electric motors.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift will comprise all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Generally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Normally, these models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular category is engineered and designed to tow cargo rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Category 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. Various kinds of working environments depend on various classifications in order to get their work done. Forklifts are rather particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various kinds of tires and engines are made for specific applications. To be able to select the best forklift to complete your tasks and to meet all your requirements, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your particular model. By speaking to a few reputable dealers and making time to investigate all your options, you could choose the appropriate equipment.