Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery which could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning 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 utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor applications.
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 operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided into 4 lift codes or subcategories. 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, the forklift operator 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 have 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 that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the particular model. Lift models can raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. 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 conditions and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.