Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment which could be utilized both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They are capable of working on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found on construction sites or inside warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually only has to be used on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
Forklifts have different classes. Lower classes of forklifts are used in warehouses and higher classes are utilized more frequently in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types amongst the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 normally describe forklifts which operate outside on rough surfaces or are utilized to tow heavy loads. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These models are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts that belong to Class 1 can be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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. 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 use pneumatic tires.
A term used 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 particular model. Lift models are able to lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are used inside warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to operate 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 most models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.