Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that can be used outdoors and indoors. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. 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 since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts could be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can 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 have pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models can raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing 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 most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.