Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be utilized on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which 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 or IC power. These models are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down 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. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have 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 that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are some disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.