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 flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are used more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. 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 kinds of forklifts could be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four 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, he sits down. To be able 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.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular model. Lift models can raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate 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 most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.