Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that can be used outdoors and indoors. They can function 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 which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These kinds of forklifts can be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. 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, the forklift operator sits down. To be able 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 use pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized in warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.