The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 different classes of forklifts. These classes are broken down by the kind of work setting; indoors, outdoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and finally 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 classifications of forklifts:
Class 1 Forklifts: these machines include electric motor trucks that use either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down units.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift would consist of all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: The IC or internal combustion units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Usually, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Usually, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 lift trucks will consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This category is engineered and designed to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outside.
The different classes of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Various types of working atmospheres depend on different categories in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for particular operation. In order to select the right forklift to complete your jobs and to suit all your requirements, do some research to know precisely what you would need from your specific model. By talking to several trustworthy dealers and making time to explore your options, you could pick the right machine.