The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various classes of forklifts. These categories are broken down by the type of work environment; outdoors, indoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following forklift categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: these equipment include electric motor trucks that utilize either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire units, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will consist of all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC models. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider forklifts outfitted with pneumatic tires. Normally, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks will consist of IC powered or electric units. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outdoors.
These categories were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, different working atmospheres depend on various classes. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for specific applications. In order to choose the right forklift to meet your needs and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to know exactly what you would require from your particular unit. By talking to several respectable dealers and making time to investigate all your choices, you would be able to choose the appropriate equipment.