There are 7 various classifications of forklifts as determined by the Industrial Truck Association or ITA. These classifications are broken down by the type of work setting; rough or smooth surfaces, outdoors, indoors and narrow aisle; by the type of engine; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; and lastly the equipment characteristics, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Some of the classes are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Below are the following lift truck classifications:
Category 1 Forklifts: are considered to be electric motor trucks with 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 unit.
Lift Code 4: 3-Wheel electric sit-down models.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
Lift Code 6: Includes pneumatic tire models, sit-down rider, and counterbalanced rider.
Class 2 Forklifts: Class 2 forklifts consist of narrow aisle electric trucks with solid tires.
Category 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks include electric hand trucks and hand/rider trucks 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. Usually, they are great for indoor use and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider models equipped with pneumatic tires. Usually, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outside or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts would consist of IC powered or electric units. These ride-on units have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This specific class is engineered and designed to tow cargo rather than lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Class 7 forklifts are almost exclusively used outside and powered by diesel engines.
These classifications were designed to keep the huge field of lift trucks separated and organized. In order to get their work completed, different working atmospheres rely on different categories. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their different kinds of tires and engines are made for specific applications. To be able to select the right forklift to meet your requirements and to complete your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you would require from your particular unit. By talking to a few reputable dealers and making time to investigate your choices, you will be able to pick the right equipment.