Types of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose machine that can be used both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
Forklifts have various classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more frequently in outdoor applications.
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 great for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These types of forklifts are able to be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 can be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as one, four, five and six. The operator of the forklift 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 utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific type of forklift. Lift models can raise pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to run and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.