Warehouse Forklift Types
The type of multi-purpose equipment that could be used both indoors and outdoors are forklifts. They can operate on rough terrain and are a common piece of industrial equipment found in warehouses or on construction sites. Any warehouse forklift normally just has to be used on surfaces that are flat for the majority 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 used more frequently 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 that are used to tow heavy loads or operate outside on rough surfaces. Classes 1 to 3 are ideal for indoor use as they use electric propulsion. Class 4 forklifts depend on internal combustion or IC engine. These models can be used indoors but because of the fumes they make, are suitable for open air warehouse applications. You will seldom find these types 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 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 utilize cushion tires. Lift code 6 forklifts have pneumatic tires.
A term utilized for Class 2 forklifts is narrow aisle forklifts. These types of forklifts are used in tight spaces and operated by a standing rider. They are great for spaces that 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 stands or walks behind the machine, depending on the specific kind of forklift. Lift models could raise pallets and loads several feet off of the ground.
Electrical Forklifts
Rather than using internal combustion or IC engine forklifts, electric forklifts are commonly utilized in warehouses. There are some disadvantages and advantages to using electrical models. To begin with, they are environmentally friendly and can last longer. They cost less to operate and cut down greatly on noise pollution. On the downside, they do not operate well outdoors in bad weather, are more expensive up front and nearly all models need charging every 6 hours. For apparent reasons, electrical-powered forklifts are an ideal choice for warehouses and indoor areas most of the time.