Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that can be used indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be utilized on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used 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 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. 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 use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts 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 also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models could raise loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. 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 conditions and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.