The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 different classes of forklifts. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; indoors, outdoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly 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 classifications of forklifts:
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 consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider unit.
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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Category 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Usually, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is designed and engineered to tow cargo rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
These classes were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, different working atmospheres rely on different classifications. Forklifts are quite particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various kinds of engines and tires are made for particular applications. To be able to pick the right forklift to complete your jobs and to suit all your requirements, do some research to know exactly what you will need from your specific unit. By talking to a few reputable dealers and taking time to explore your choices, you could select the right machinery.