Warehouse Forklift Types
Forklifts are multi-purpose equipment that could be used outdoors and indoors. They are capable of functioning on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial machines found inside warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift usually just needs to be used on flat surfaces for most of their work scopes.
There are various classes of forklifts. Lower classes of forklifts are utilized inside warehouses and higher classes are used more frequently in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
Of the 7 classes of forklifts, there are 4 kinds of warehouse forklifts. The classes 5 to 7 typically describe forklifts which are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor application as they utilize electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC power. These kinds of forklifts are able to be used indoors but because of the fumes they create, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You would rarely 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 one, four, five and six. 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 use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
Narrow aisle forklifts are a term for class 2 forklifts. These kinds of forklifts are operated by a standing rider and used in tight spaces. They are perfect for spaces which are very small for a sit-down rider forklift. Class 3 forklifts or electric hand trucks could fit into tighter spaces too. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the particular model. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using IC or internal combustion engine forklifts, electric forklifts are usually utilized in warehouses. There are advantages and disadvantages to 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 do not function well outdoors in bad weather conditions, are more expensive up front and nearly all 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.