Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment that could 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 on construction sites or in warehouses. Any warehouse forklift usually just has to be used on surfaces that are flat for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are considered to be sturdier and used more often in outdoor applications.
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 are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use since they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These models are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would seldom find these types of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts could be broken down into 4 subcategories or lift codes. The lift codes are described as six, five, four and one. The forklift operator stands up in a lift code 1 forklift. In lift codes 4 through 6, he 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 utilize pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These types of forklifts are utilized in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces which are very 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 specific kind of forklift. Lift models could lift loads and pallets several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Instead of utilizing internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually used inside warehouses. There are disadvantages and advantages to utilizing electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and could last longer. 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 climate and most models need charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are a great alternative for indoor areas and warehouses most of the time.