Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are used 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 power. These models could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. The operator of the forklift 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 utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle 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. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used in warehouses. There are several disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.