The Industrial Truck Association or ITA has determined 7 different categories of lift trucks. These categories are broken down by the type of work setting; outdoors, indoors, rough or smooth surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the type of engine; and finally 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 lift truck categories:
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: Stand-up, counterbalanced rider model.
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 units.
Category 2 Forklifts: Class 2 lift trucks narrow aisle trucks with electric motors and solid tires.
Class 3 Forklifts: Class 3 lift trucks consist of hand/rider trucks with solid tires and electric hand trucks.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC units. These are sit down rider units with cushion tires. Normally, they are suitable for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: IC sit down rider units outfitted with pneumatic tires make up Class 5 lift trucks. Typically, these units are ideal for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: Class 6 forklifts will consist of internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models have the capability to tow at least 1000 pounds. This particular category is engineered and designed to tow loads as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: This class is defined as rough terrain trucks with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively used outside.
The different classifications of lift trucks help to keep them organized and separated. Various types of working environments rely on various classes in order to get their work done. Forklifts are rather specific in their lifting and loading capacities. Their various engine types and tire types are made for specific operation. To be able to select the right forklift to suit your requirements and to complete your tasks, do some research to determine exactly what you would require from your particular model. By speaking to a few reputable dealers and making time to investigate all your alternatives, you can select the appropriate machine.