The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various categories of lift trucks. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; indoors, outdoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the kind of engine; and finally the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck classifications:
Category 1 Forklifts: these machines comprise electric motor trucks which utilize either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider types.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
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 consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion models. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for applications on hard surfaces and indoor application.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Typically, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks will consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outdoors and powered by diesel engines.
These classifications were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, various working atmospheres rely on different classes. Forklifts are quite specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different types of engines and tires are made for particular applications. In order to select the right forklift to suit all your needs and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine exactly what you would require from your specific model. By speaking to several trustworthy dealers and making time to explore your choices, you could pick the right machinery.