Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be utilized on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these models 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, the forklift operator 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 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. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.