Kinds of Warehouse Forklifts
The type of multi-purpose equipment 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 normally just has to be used 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 applications.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. 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 ideal for indoor use because they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These types of forklifts can be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could be divided into four subcategories or lift codes. 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. To be able 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 utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These models are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces which are too small for a sit-down rider forklift. Electric hand trucks or class 3 forklifts can fit into tighter spaces also. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the device or stands, depending on the particular type of forklift. Lift models could lift loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to electrical models. To begin with, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They are less expensive to run and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.