Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be used indoors and outdoors. 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 normally just needs to be utilized on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 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 used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four 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, the forklift operator 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 use pneumatic tires.
A term used 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 which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.