Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which can be used indoors and outdoors. 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 just needs to be used on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These models could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. The forklift operator 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 have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.