Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which can be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be utilized on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could 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. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models could lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To start with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.