Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The kind of multi-purpose equipment which could be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models can be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down 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, he sits down. To be able 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 have pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are too 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 stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.