Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose machine that can be utilized both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually only needs to be utilized on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and utilized more often in outdoor operation.
Classes of Forklifts
Among 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor application because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These kinds of forklifts could be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 could be divided into four lift codes or subcategories. 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, the forklift operator 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces too. Class 3 operator either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models can lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized inside warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are some disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to operate and cut down significantly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great option for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.