Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose machinery that could be utilized both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They can function on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types out of the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts that operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models could be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 lift codes or subcategories. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The operator of the forklift 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts utilize 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. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models could raise loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front 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.