Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs 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 in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models could be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. 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 have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could raise loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are some advantages and disadvantages to 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, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.