The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various categories of forklifts. These classes are broken down by the type of work environment; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the kind of engine; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck categories:
Class 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider models.
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 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: Class 3 forklifts include hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC models. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are suitable for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires. Usually, these units are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 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 pounds. This particular category is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively utilized outside and powered by diesel engines.
The various categories of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different types of working atmospheres depend on various classes in order to get their work done. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for particular applications. In order to choose the best forklift to complete your tasks and to meet your requirements, do some research to know precisely what you will require from your specific model. By talking to a few respectable dealers and taking time to explore your choices, you can select the appropriate equipment.