There are 7 various classes of forklifts as determined by the Industrial Truck Association or ITA. These categories are divided into the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; by the kind of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following forklift categories:
Class 1 Forklifts: these machinery comprise electric motor trucks that use either pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also comprise 4 lift codes, or subcategories which 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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with 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: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion units. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Usually, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts would consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units could tow at least 1000 pounds. This specific category is designed and engineered to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain units with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outdoors.
The various classes of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Various kinds of working atmospheres rely on various classifications in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are rather particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific applications. To be able to pick the best forklift to complete your jobs and to suit all your requirements, do some research to determine precisely what you would require from your specific unit. By speaking to some reputable dealers and taking time to explore all your choices, you can select the appropriate equipment.