Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be used 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 used more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts could be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four 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, he 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.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could 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 start with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.