Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be used outdoors and indoors. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be utilized 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 utilized more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 subcategories or lift codes. 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are too 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 stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads a few 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 disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.