Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used outdoors and indoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
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, 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 have pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are some advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To start with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.