Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment that can be utilized both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally only has to be utilized on flat surfaces for the majority of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor applications and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 types of warehouse forklifts. 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 great for indoor application since they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC power. These models can be utilized indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which 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, 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 used in tight spaces. They are great for spaces that are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts could also fit into tighter spaces. Class 3 operator either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are 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 do not operate well outdoors in bad climate, are more expensive up front and nearly all 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.