The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. These classes are broken down by the kind of work setting; smooth or rough surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the type of engine; and finally the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following classes of forklifts:
Category 1 Forklifts: these equipment include electric motor trucks that use either pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also include 4 lift codes, or subcategories which 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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will consist of all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel 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. Normally, they are great for applications on hard surfaces and indoor application.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks would consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is designed and engineered to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outdoors.
The different classes of lift trucks help to keep them separated and organized. Different types of working environments depend on various classifications in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for specific applications. In order to choose the best forklift to complete your tasks and to suit your needs, do some research to know precisely what you would require from your specific model. By speaking to several trustworthy dealers and taking time to explore all your alternatives, you would be able to choose the right equipment.