Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which can be used outdoors and indoors. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be used on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. 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
Amongst 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 ideal for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These kinds of forklifts can be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 lift codes or subcategories. 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. 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 utilized in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could 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 conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.