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