There are 7 different classifications of lift trucks as determined by the ITA or Industrial Truck Association. These classes are divided into the type of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and lastly the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following classifications of lift trucks:
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 include 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider models.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down models.
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.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 forklift would comprise all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel based with solid tires.
Class 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC units. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Generally, they are suitable for applications on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider units equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Normally, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 lift trucks are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 lbs. This category 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 outside.
These classifications were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work completed, different working environments rely on various classes. Forklifts are quite particular in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for particular operation. To be able to select the best forklift to meet your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine precisely what you will require from your specific model. By speaking to a few trustworthy dealers and making time to investigate your options, you would be able to select the right equipment.