The ITA or Industrial Truck Association has determined 7 various classes of lift trucks. These classes are divided into the kind of work environment; rough or smooth surfaces, indoors, outdoors and narrow aisle; whether the operator is sitting down or standing; by the kind of engine; and finally the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and tire type. Several of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following classes of forklifts:
Category 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 forklifts also comprise 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 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck will include all hand/rider trucks fuel and electric based with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: The IC or internal combustion units make up Class 4 forklifts. These are sit down rider models with cushion tires. Generally, they are suitable for use on hard surfaces and indoor use.
Category 5 Forklifts: Internal Combustion sit down rider forklifts equipped 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: The Class 6 forklifts are either IC powered or electric models. These ride-on models could tow at least 1000 pounds. This category is designed and engineered to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Class 7 Forklifts: Class 7 just included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These classes were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work completed, different working atmospheres rely on various classes. Forklifts are quite specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different types of engines and tires are made for specific operation. To be able to select the right forklift to suit all your requirements and to fulfill your jobs, do some research to know exactly what you will need from your particular unit. By speaking to some respectable dealers and making time to investigate your alternatives, you could select the appropriate machinery.