The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 different classes of forklifts. These classes are divided into the kind of work environment; smooth or rough surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the kind of engine; and finally the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: these equipment include electric motor trucks which utilize either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider unit.
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 lift trucks consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Normally, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires. Usually, these models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These classes were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work completed, different working atmospheres depend on various categories. Forklifts are rather specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for specific operation. In order to select the right forklift to fulfill your tasks and to suit all your needs, do some research to know exactly what you would need from your particular unit. By talking to several reputable dealers and making time to explore all your alternatives, you would be able to select the appropriate machine.