Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose machinery which can be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. 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 utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used inside 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 operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function 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.