Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose machinery which can be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator 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, while lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models can raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used in warehouses. There are some advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less 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 climate and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.