Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which can be used indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst 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 ideal for indoor application because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These models could be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that 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, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while 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 can fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.