Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. 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 use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular model. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather and nearly all 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.