Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment which can be utilized both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They can function 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 utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These types of forklifts can be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 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 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 great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models can raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. 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 conditions and nearly all 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.