Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that could be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided into 4 lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The operator of the forklift stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.