Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which could be used indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These types of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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, the forklift operator 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can 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 loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.