The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various classes of forklifts. These categories are divided into the kind of work environment; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the type of engine; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and type of tire. Some of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following classifications of lift trucks:
Category 1 Forklifts: these machinery comprise electric motor trucks which use either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also consist of 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.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will consist of 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. Usually, they are great for applications on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Class 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outside.
Class 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This class is designed and engineered to tow loads rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These classes were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work done, different working environments rely on various categories. Forklifts are quite particular in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various kinds of engines and tires are made for particular applications. In order to pick the right forklift to suit your requirements and to complete your tasks, do some research to know exactly what you would need from your specific model. By talking to a few respectable dealers and taking time to explore all your options, you would be able to pick the appropriate machinery.