Types of Warehouse Forklifts
Forklifts are multi-purpose machinery that could be utilized indoors and outdoors. They could function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on surfaces which are flat 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
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These models can be used indoors but due to the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will rarely find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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, the forklift operator sits down. To be able to differentiate between the latter three, lift code 4 forklifts have 3 wheels, while lift code 5 forklifts have cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts utilize pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are perfect for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific kind of forklift. 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 commonly used in warehouses. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. For start, 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 weather and most models require charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.