The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 various classes of lift trucks. These classes are divided into the type of work setting; outdoors, indoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the type of engine; and finally the characteristics of the machine, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following lift truck classifications:
Class 1 Forklifts: these machines comprise electric motor trucks which utilize 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 unit.
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 models, counterbalanced rider, and sit-down rider units.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 forklifts consist of electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: The Internal Combustion or IC models make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Normally, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Class 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is IC Engine sit down rider forklifts outfitted with pneumatic tires. Normally, these models are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts would consist of internal combustion powered or electric models. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular class is designed and engineered 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 used outdoors.
The different classes of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Different kinds of working environments rely on different classes in order to get their work completed. Forklifts are quite specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. To be able to pick the best forklift to meet your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to determine precisely what you will need from your specific unit. By talking to several trustworthy dealers and taking time to explore all your choices, you can pick the appropriate machine.