Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be used 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 considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts could be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable 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 six, five, four and one. The forklift operator stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, the forklift operator 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used in warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.