Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose machinery that can be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on flat surfaces 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
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models could be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. 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, the forklift operator sits down. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized 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 could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models can lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.