Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The kind of multi-purpose machine that can be used both outdoors and indoors 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 usually just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These types of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided 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, he sits down. To be able 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 have pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized inside warehouses. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To begin with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate 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 most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.