Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that could be used outdoors and indoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be used on surfaces that are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
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 great for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts can be used 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 broken down 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, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts 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 device, depending on the particular model. Lift models could lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.