Warehouse Forklift Types
The kind of multi-purpose machine which could be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be used 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 utilized more frequently in outdoor operation.
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 utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These kinds of forklifts could be utilized indoors but due to the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be broken down into 4 subcategories or lift codes. 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, 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.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and utilized in tight spaces. They are great for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the device, depending on the specific model. Lift models can lift pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses rather than IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are some advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. They are less expensive to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and most models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.