Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment which could be used both outdoors and indoors are forklifts. They could operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found on construction sites or inside 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 used inside warehouses and higher classes are utilized more often in outdoor operation and are considered to be sturdier.
Classes of Forklifts
There are 4 kinds of warehouse forklift types among the 7 forklift classes. The classes 5 to 7 usually describe forklifts which are utilized to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are great for indoor use because they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts rely on internal combustion or IC engine. These models are able to be used indoors but due to the fumes they create, are better suited for open air warehouse operation. You would rarely find these kinds of forklifts in strictly indoor environments.
Class One Forklifts
Class 1 forklifts can be divided into 4 lift codes or subcategories. 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, whereas lift code 5 forklifts use cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts use pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle 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 can also fit into tighter spaces. The operator for class 3 either walks behind the machine or stands, depending on the specific model. Lift models are able to lift pallets and loads a few feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Usually, electrical forklifts are used in warehouses as opposed to IC or internal combustion engine forklifts. There are several disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To start with, they could 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 operate well outdoors in bad weather and nearly all models require charging every 6 hours. For obvious reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal option for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.