Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose equipment that can be used both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These kinds of forklifts could be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have 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 which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks 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 can lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less 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 weather conditions and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.