Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used indoors and outdoors. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on surfaces which are flat for the majority 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 used more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These models can be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize 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 very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are some disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.