Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which 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 forklift operator stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he sits down. In order 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 use 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 great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models can lift pallets and loads several 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 disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.