Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. 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 great for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could 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, he sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models could lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are several disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all 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.