Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which can be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be used on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in 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 among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These kinds of forklifts can be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can 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, the forklift operator sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 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. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular model. Lift models can lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.