Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment which could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be utilized on surfaces which 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 utilized more frequently in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
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 utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down 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, he sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use 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 that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models could lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are 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 do not function well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.