Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that could be used indoors and outdoors. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are used more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion power. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 lift codes or subcategories. 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 kinds of forklifts 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 can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models are able to raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to operate 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 alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.