Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized indoors and outdoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside 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 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These kinds of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models 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 one, four, five and six. The forklift operator 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. 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 also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.