Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment which could be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only needs to be used on surfaces which are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be divided 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, while lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks can fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular kind of forklift. Lift models can raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.