Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The kind of multi-purpose equipment that can be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more frequently in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. 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. To be able 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 utilize 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 which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models could lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less 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 an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.