The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various categories of lift trucks. These classifications are divided into the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following lift truck categories:
Class 1 Forklifts: these machinery include electric motor trucks that use 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: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks consist of electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Generally, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider models equipped with pneumatic tires. Usually, these units are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 pounds. This specific class is designed and engineered to tow cargo 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 outside.
The different categories of lift trucks help to keep them separated and organized. Different types of working environments rely on various classifications in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different kinds of engines and tires are made for specific applications. In order to select the right forklift to meet your needs and to fulfill your tasks, do some research to determine precisely what you will require from your particular unit. By talking to a few respectable dealers and making time to explore all your alternatives, you can select the right machinery.