Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose machine which can be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be used on surfaces that are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These types of forklifts can be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models 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 one, four, five and six. The operator of the forklift stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models 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. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.