Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in 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 normally describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models can be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could 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. In order 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 too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models could raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are some advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To begin with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.