Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that can be used indoors and outdoors. 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 has to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are used more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts could be utilized 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 environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could be divided into four 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. In order 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 use pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models can raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly used inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. For start, 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 operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.