Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that can be used indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized 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 normally describe forklifts that are utilized 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 models could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.