Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be used on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could be divided into four 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized inside warehouses. There are some advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function 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 an ideal alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.