Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which could be utilized outdoors and indoors. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 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 great for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
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, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use 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 that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized in warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad climate and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.