Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines 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.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These models could be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, the forklift operator 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
A term used 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 perfect 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 walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are some advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run 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 alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.