Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment which could be used both indoors and outdoors 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 has to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are different classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized in 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 great for indoor application as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion power. These types of forklifts can be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would seldom find these models in strictly indoor setting.
Class One Forklifts
Forklifts which belong to Class 1 could 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, he 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 kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and utilized 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 too. The operator for class 3 either stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to raise loads and pallets a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Most commonly, electrical forklifts are utilized in warehouses rather than internal combustion or IC engine forklifts. There are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing electrical models. For start, they can last longer and are environmentally friendly. They cost less to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they are more expensive up front, do not function well outdoors in bad weather and most 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.