There are 7 different classifications of lift trucks as determined by the ITA or Industrial Truck Association. These categories are divided into the type of work environment; outdoors, indoors, smooth or rough surfaces and narrow aisle; whether the operator is standing or sitting down; by the kind of engine; and finally the characteristics of the equipment, regarding the maximum grade and kind of tire. Several of the categories are further sub-divided by operating characteristics. Here are the following lift truck classifications:
Class 1 Forklifts: these machinery include electric motor trucks which utilize either air filled or pneumatic tires or cushion tires. The Class 1 lift trucks also consist of 4 lift codes, or subcategories that are:
Lift Code 1: Counterbalanced, stand up rider units.
Lift Code 4: Sit down, 3-Wheel electric.
Lift Code 5: Cushion Tire sit down, counterbalanced rider
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.
Class 3 Forklifts: The class 3 lift truck would include all hand/rider trucks electric and fuel based with solid tires.
Category 4 Forklifts: Class 4 forklifts are the Internal Combustion or IC units. These are sit down rider forklifts with cushion tires. Usually, they are great for indoor application and on hard surfaces.
Category 5 Forklifts: Class 5 is Internal Combustion Engine sit down rider forklifts equipped with pneumatic tires. Typically, these units are great for working on rough surfaces outdoors or on areas with significant inclines.
Category 6 Forklifts: The Class 6 forklifts are either internal combustion powered or electric units. These ride-on models can tow at least 1000 pounds. This category is engineered and designed to tow cargo as opposed to lift it.
Category 7 Forklifts: Class 7 only included rough terrain models with pneumatic tires. The Category 7 forklifts are powered by diesel engines and are almost exclusively utilized outdoors.
These categories were designed to keep the large field of lift trucks organized and separated. In order to get their work done, various working atmospheres depend on different categories. Forklifts are quite specific in their loading and lifting capacities. Their various kinds of engines and tires are made for particular applications. To be able to choose the best forklift to suit all your needs and to fulfill your tasks, do some research to know exactly what you would need from your particular unit. By speaking to a few reputable dealers and making time to explore your options, you can choose the appropriate equipment.