There are 7 various classes of forklifts as determined by the ITA or Industrial Truck Association. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the kind of engine; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below 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 lift trucks also consist of 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: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire units, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with solid tires and electric motors.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift will consist of all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Category 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: Internal Combustion sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Typically, these units are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either IC powered or electric models. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is engineered and designed to tow cargo as opposed to 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.
These categories were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, different working environments rely on various classifications. Forklifts are quite specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. To be able to choose the right forklift to suit your needs and to complete your tasks, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your particular unit. By speaking to several trustworthy dealers and making time to explore all your choices, you can choose the right machine.