Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose equipment that could 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 on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion engine. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can 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. To be able 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 utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models can raise loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are some disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they could last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run 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 need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.