Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be utilized 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 usually only has to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These models could be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down into 4 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. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are too 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 specific model. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.