Multi Directional Forklift British Columbia

Used Side Loader Forklift BC - 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 that rely on the original counterbalance system can become unstable when moving long or heavy loads. However, the side loader forklift is specially designed to handle these types of loads, such as long pipes and raw timber, providing much more stability. Having the load face the direction of travel ensures that timber and steel can be easier to maneuver. Side loaders gift the operator with an unobstructed view. This is often compromised on standard forklifts with the tines or front-carrying load design. Side loaders can access narrow aisles and tinier doorways with ease since loads are transported down the side of the machine instead of on the front as with a standard forklift. The load may have to be raised on regular forklifts to travel around obstacles that increase the chances of tipping over. Side loaders eliminate the need for much of that maneuvering. 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 design enables operators to match speed to a certain job. Types of Side Loader Forklifts Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks The Class 2 Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks are where the side loader forklifts are classified. This class captures the forklifts that operate in narrow aisles with electrically sourced power. Excellent for operating in loading docks and warehouses, these units rely on narrow aisle configuration and are moved between close quarters common for storing lumber, bar stock, laminate and carpet. They are also suited for rack storage and feeding machine tools. 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 loaders take up less space compared to traditional forklift trucks. 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 Side loaders that are not powered by electricity obviously do not fall under the Class 2 forklift classification. Side loaders are common at steel and pipe yards and lumber and timber yards. They accurately transport loads from storage areas including racking, flatbeds, and stacking loads in blocks. These machines that are used outside have to deal with uneven ground and different temperatures. 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 often seen in interior locations. It consists of a platform area that is surrounded by controls and usually found in the middle of the machine. There are many advantages to the stand-on design. The stand on side loader does not require a seat for the operator which allows for a smaller cab design. This creates a forklift with a smaller footprint which is advantageous for traveling within confined locations. Especially while operating in reverse, there is greater operator visibility from a standing position. 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. There are more safety and operator comfort in the stand-up side loaders, ensuring better visibility and less potential for damage or injury. Operators on standing forklifts can enter and exit the machine faster than sit-down cab units. Sit Down Side Loader Forklifts Sit-down loaders are more popular than standing loaders. 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. The sit-down units boast better operator comfort. The machine enhances productivity and reduces fatigue when operators can work from a resting position. Customizable Features Because of the wide range of jobs that use side loader forklifts, the side loader is available in customizable bed lengths. Popular for heavy and bulky items, the standard side loader has been designed to fit heavy and bulky loads. A sixty-inch extension upwards may be utilized for special jobs. 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. These side loaders have crab steering which allows two wheels to operate independently from the others. This design allows the machine to move in all 4 directions via changing wheel direction. The side loader can travel sideways and fit into narrow storage locations without making multiple adjustments or giant swing-out turns. The smaller turning radius helps to avoid damage to items and the building while increasing safety. Efficiency is further achieved by lessening the space and time required to travel around the job. It is possible to customize a variety of side loader forklift features for specific jobs. 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