The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various classes of forklifts. These classifications are divided into the type of work setting; outdoors, indoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; and lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift classifications:
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 comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider units.
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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift will comprise all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider models outfitted with pneumatic tires. Usually, these models are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outdoors.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 lbs. This specific category is designed and engineered to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outdoors and powered by diesel engines.
The various classifications of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Various types of working environments rely on various classifications in order to get their work done. Forklifts are rather specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different kinds of engines and tires are made for particular operation. To be able to select the best forklift to fulfill your jobs and to meet all your needs, do some research to determine exactly what you would require from your particular model. By speaking to some reputable dealers and making time to explore all your choices, you can select the right equipment.