Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently 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 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts can be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. The operator of the forklift 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts use 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 utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.