Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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, while lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models can lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used inside warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly 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 obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.