The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different classes of forklifts. These categories are divided into 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 characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following forklift classifications:
Category 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider units.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire units, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Class 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: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion models. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 forklifts. Usually, these models are great for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outdoors.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 lbs. This particular category is engineered and designed to tow loads rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outdoors.
These classifications were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, various working environments rely on different categories. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different engine types and tire types are made for specific applications. In order to select the right forklift to complete your tasks and to suit your needs, do some research to determine exactly what you would need from your particular model. By speaking to a few respectable dealers and taking time to investigate all your alternatives, you will be able to select the appropriate machinery.