The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various classes of forklifts. These categories are broken down by the kind of work environment; indoors, outdoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the kind of engine; and lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift categories:
Category 1 Forklifts: these machinery consist of electric motor trucks that utilize 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 unit.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: This grouping included pneumatic tire units, 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 will include all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The IC or internal combustion units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are suitable for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider models outfitted with pneumatic tires. Typically, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either IC powered or electric units. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This class is engineered and designed to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These categories were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, various working environments depend on different categories. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different engine types and tire types are made for particular operation. In order to pick the right forklift to suit all your requirements and to complete your tasks, do some research to know exactly what you will need from your particular unit. By talking to some reputable dealers and making time to explore your options, you will be able to pick the right machine.