The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various categories of lift trucks. These categories are divided into the kind of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and lastly the characteristics of the machinery, 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: these machinery consist of electric motor trucks that utilize either pneumatic or air filled tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories which are:
Lift Code 1: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider type.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down types.
Lift Code 5: Counterbalanced rider, cushion tire sit down tires.
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with solid tires and electric motors.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the IC or internal combustion models. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider models equipped with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Usually, these models are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Class 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of IC powered or electric units. These ride-on models could tow at least 1000 lbs. This specific class is engineered and designed to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This category is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These classifications were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, different working environments depend on various classes. Forklifts are quite specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various kinds of tires and engines are made for specific applications. In order to select the best forklift to fulfill your jobs and to meet your requirements, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your specific unit. By talking to some reputable dealers and taking time to investigate all your options, you can pick the right machinery.