Multi Directional Forklift Surprise

Used Side Loader Forklift Surprise - Side loader forklifts are ideal for lifting long and heavy materials in narrow locations such as warehouse aisles, loading docks, lumber yards, etc. These forklifts are given their name by the way in which they load, and unload, material - from the side of the forklift rather than from the front, as with standard forklifts. Benefits of Side Loader Forklifts v Standard Forklifts Forklifts which operate on the standard counterbalance system may become unstable when loading, transporting or unloading heavy, long loads. The side loader is capable of transporting dangerous loads such as piping and timber. Long loads such as timber, steel or pipes are more easily handled because the load is facing in the direction being traveled, reducing the overall width of the equipment and load. Side loaders offer a safer, unobstructed view for the operator which is a greater improvement over the standard forklift with its front-carrying design and the fork tines. Since the loads are transported along the side of the forklift instead of across the front, the side loader can travel easier through narrow aisles and doorways. The load may have to be lowered or raised to get past obstacles that can increase the chances of destabilizing and cause dangerous tip-overs. Much of the maneuvering is eliminated with side loaders. Operating in narrow warehouse locations is much safer and more accurate with side loaders. Many models can lift up to 12K lbs. while traveling at speeds higher than 5 miles an hour. There may be the ability to have travel speeds programmed. This feature allows the operator to match speed to a specific application. Types of Side Loader Forklifts Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks Side loader forklifts often fall under the Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks classification. This class captures the forklifts that operate in narrow aisles with electrically sourced power. These are popular in warehouses, covered loading docks and other facilities that use a narrow aisle configuration or require moving between narrow spaces and where long items such as laminates, carpet, bar stock, lumber and furniture are stocked. These machines are used for feeding machine tools and rack storage. The narrow aisle units are popular in warehouses as they offer a sleek design that saves on storage. These units are efficient at loading and unloading. Class 2 side loader forklifts have been designed to take up less space by the forklift truck. These machines create better efficiency and speed while moving, unloading and loading narrow aisle locations. Because they are designed primarily for indoor facility use, their electrical power source also means that the harmful emissions that would accumulate from the use of an internal combustion engine are eliminated. Internal Combustion Engine Side Loader Forklifts Only side loaders that rely on electricity are in the Class 2 forklift classification. The side loader design is popular for outdoor use as well in places such as timber and lumber yards, steel and pipe producers and many other similar job sites that require long, heavy loads to be transported to and from storage areas, such as racking, or stacking loads in blocks, or offloading from flatbeds. Exterior side loaders need to work outside and on uneven surfaces. Internal combustion models are common. These units rely on pneumatic tires for better transportation. Side loaders are great for these work environments as they are built to handle the length of items and the weight. Picking items up in the middle is vital for loading and unloading long materials safely and efficiently. Side Loader Forklift Design The side loader forklift comes in two basic designs: 1. Stand on; and 2. Sit down. Stand On Side Loader Forklifts Stand-on side loaders are found in warehouses and interior applications. They feature a small platform generally found in the middle of the unit that is where the operator stands and is surrounded by controls. The stand on unit has many advantages. Stand-on side loaders don’t have an operator seat, allowing for a more streamlined cab design. A forklift operating with a smaller footprint is excellent for working in high-traffic locations. The operator also has increased visibility when operating in a standing position, especially when operating the forklift in reverse. While standing, the operator can turn their body to see the back of the forklift truck while in reverse. In a sit-down machine, operators need to twist their neck and back to get a clear view. Stand-up models have comfort and safety. Better operator visibility lessens injuries and product damage. Operators can get onto and off of the stand up forklift faster compared to a sit-down model and this may increase efficiency in certain situations. Sit Down Side Loader Forklifts Of the two basic designs, the sit down side loader forklift is the most popular. Sit-down side loaders have a cab that is situated in the center of the machine. The sit-down models have a raised platform and a seat that is opposite to the controls. Operator comfort is one of the main advantages of the sit-down side loader. The machine enhances productivity and reduces fatigue when operators can work from a resting position. Customizable Features Customizable bed lengths are a feature and benefit of side loader forklifts. Custom applications can be met on the job with a sixty-inch extension to further the reach of standard bed length side loaders. A side loader cannot be customized before bed length considerations are given to ensure that guide rails and aisle widths can accommodate. One popular feature for these forklifts is multidirectional capability. Crab steering on side loaders refers to having two wheels function independently from the other wheels. Crab steering allows the unit to travel in all four directions by changing the direction of the wheels. The side loader can fit into close quarters and narrow spaces without needing to make huge turns or adjustments. The smaller turning radius helps to avoid damage to items and the building while increasing safety. More efficiency is attained since there are less space and time needed to move around the job site. Numerous side loader features can be customized to suit a job site. Lift mast heights, lights, mirrors, lift capacities and tine length and other features are all customizable. Certain features are also adjustable, allowing for further customization of the side loader for the particular job application. Travel speed, acceleration time, load limits and breaking force can all be set allowing further job efficiency and increased workplace safety. For all of the above reason, the side loader forklift has become the most popular option for workplaces where space is limited and long loads are involved. Multi Directional Forklift PDF