Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The kind of multi-purpose machinery which could be used both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be utilized on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used 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 typically describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four 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, he sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize 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 perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models can raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are several disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad climate and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.