Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that can be used indoors and outdoors. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various 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
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down into 4 lift codes or subcategories. 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, 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.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.