Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor applications 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 engine. These models could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided 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.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models can lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized inside warehouses. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive 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 conditions and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.