There are 7 various classes of lift trucks as determined by the ITA or Industrial Truck Association. These classes are divided into the kind of work setting; outdoors, indoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the type of engine; and finally the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following classes of lift trucks:
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 consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider unit.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
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 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift will include all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The IC or internal combustion models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Generally, they are great 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 models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is engineered and designed to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outside and powered by diesel engines.
The various categories of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different types of working atmospheres rely on different classifications in order to get their work done. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different engine types and tire types are made for particular applications. In order to pick the right forklift to suit all your requirements and to complete your jobs, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your specific model. By speaking to some reputable dealers and making time to explore all your alternatives, you will be able to select the right equipment.