Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machines which could be utilized outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just 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 used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are used to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These kinds of forklifts could be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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. In order 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
A term used for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that 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 stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are some advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. To start with, they could 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 operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.