Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose equipment that can be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on surfaces that are flat 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 utilized more frequently in outdoor applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts that are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These types of forklifts could be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. 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. In order to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, whereas lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces that are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to electrical models. To start with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad climate and most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.