Multi Directional Forklift Kent

Used Side Loader Forklift Kent - A side loader forklift truck is made for lifting very heavy and long items within the confines the narrow aisles of a warehouse, lumber yard, loading dock or other facility. Side loaders have earned their name due to their design and the way they transport, load and unload items. 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. Excessive loads including pipes, steel or timber can be handled easier thanks to the design of having the load face the direction of travel. They also offer the advantage of providing the driver of the forklift with an unobstructed view, which is otherwise at least somewhat or greatly impeded by the tines and load carried at the front on a standard forklift. 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. Side loaders eliminate the need for much of that maneuvering. These units help warehouse locations to manage smaller spaces much more safely. Most side loaders are able to lift up to 12,000 pounds and can travel at speeds just above 5 miles per hour but are often equipped with the ability to program travel speeds. 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 are within the Class 2 Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks. 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. These machines are additionally used for rack storage and feeding machine tools. The narrow aisle set up is common in warehouses because it allows for the maximum possible use of a storage area which helps to save on costly square footage as well as travel time between material and loading and unloading areas. Class 2 side loader forklifts have been designed to take up less space by the forklift truck. This design facilitates better speed and efficiency for moving, loading and unloading aisles. Electric power reduces harmful emissions and allows these machines to be used mainly inside. Internal Combustion Engine Side Loader Forklifts The Class 2 forklifts only apply to side loaders that use electric power. Units that do not rely on electricity do not fall into this category. Side loaders are found in timber and lumber yards and pipe and steel yards for transporting long and heavy loads. They can move items from flatbed trucks, stack items in blocks or racking. Side loaders used in these contexts must be able to work outdoors, often in varying temperatures and over uneven surfaces. There are internal combustion models available and they may use pneumatic tires for more stable transport. 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 Side loader forklifts can be either sit down units or stand on machines. Stand On Side Loader Forklifts Used mostly indoors in applications such as warehouses, the stand on end control has a small platform area surrounded by the forklift’s controls, usually located in the middle of the truck, for the operator to stand. 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. 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. In the stand up position, an operator can turn his whole body to view the rear of the truck when reversing direction whereas in a sit down position the operator must twist his back and neck to get a clear view behind. This is clearly an advantage in terms of safety as well as comfort. Increased operator visibility also helps to decrease damage to products and facilities. 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 The sit-down side loader is more popular than standing loaders. Similar to the side loader stand, the sit-down unit features a centrally located cab. The difference that a sit down forklift has a raised platform with a seat facing the forklift’s control panel. 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. The standard bed length for a side loader was designed to fit a variety of bulky and heavy loads but this can be extended upwards of 60 inches to meet custom jobsite applications. 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. Safety is increased with the tighter turning radius and damage is avoided to facilities and items. 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. Tine length, mirrors, lights, lift mast heights and lift capacities are some of the custom options available. 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