The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; outdoors, indoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and finally the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following classifications of forklifts:
Class 1 Forklifts: these equipment include electric motor trucks which utilize either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also include 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider types.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire units, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion units. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Generally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Typically, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This category is engineered and designed to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outside and powered by diesel engines.
The various categories of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different kinds of working environments depend on various classes in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various types of tires and engines are made for specific applications. To be able to choose the right forklift to suit all your needs and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine exactly what you would need from your particular model. By talking to several trustworthy dealers and taking time to explore all your alternatives, you could choose the appropriate machinery.