Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used in 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 amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
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, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term utilized 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 that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular model. Lift models could lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are some disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To begin with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.