Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in 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 which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four 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, the forklift operator sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used inside warehouses. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.