Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose machine which can be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be utilized on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are used more often 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 usually describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts could be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down 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, while lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are some advantages and disadvantages to using 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 do not function well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.