Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose machine which can be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor operation 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 normally describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models 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. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to lift loads and pallets 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 advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather and most 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.