Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be utilized outdoors and indoors. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be utilized on surfaces that are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. 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 among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts could be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The operator of the forklift 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 use pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used in warehouses. There are several disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad climate and nearly all 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.