Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines that can be utilized outdoors and indoors. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be utilized on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are used more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Amongst 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These models could be used 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 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, 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 have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These kinds 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 also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized inside warehouses. There are some disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive 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 climate and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.