Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized 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 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These models are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 can be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. The operator of the forklift 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 use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models 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. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models could lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and most 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.