There are 7 different classes of lift trucks as determined by the Industrial Truck Association or ITA. These classifications are divided into the kind of work setting; indoors, outdoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; and lastly the machine characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following classifications of lift trucks:
Class 1 Forklifts: these equipment consist of electric motor trucks that use either air filled or pneumatic 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 types.
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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider models.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with solid tires and electric motors.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will include all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for applications on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Usually, these units are ideal for working areas with significant inclines or on rough surfaces outdoors.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts would consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units can tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outside and powered by diesel engines.
These categories were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work done, different working environments rely on different classifications. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different types of tires and engines are made for specific applications. In order to pick the best forklift to suit your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to know precisely what you would need from your particular unit. By speaking to some trustworthy dealers and making time to investigate your choices, you could select the appropriate equipment.