Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be used indoors and outdoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on surfaces that are flat 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 utilized more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will seldom find these kinds of forklifts 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 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 use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models are able to lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.