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