Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be utilized outdoors and indoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. 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 because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These models could be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four 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, 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 have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used in warehouses. There are some disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.