Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used outdoors and indoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts could be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these kinds 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 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, 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 models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models can lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used in warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate 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 need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.