Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which could be utilized outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor applications.
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 that are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These models can be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can 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. 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 have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are some disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate 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.