Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose machine which can be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. 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 has to be used on surfaces which are flat for the majority of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. 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 use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion engine. These models are able to be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 can be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator 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 use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used 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 fit into tighter spaces also. 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 several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are several disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They cost less to run 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 most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.