Multi Directional Forklift Fairfield

Used Side Loader Forklift Fairfield - 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. 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. The side loader forklift can tackle these awkward loads including timber and extensive pipes with greater stability. Excessive loads including pipes, steel or timber can be handled easier thanks to the design of having the load face the direction of travel. 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. A side loader forklift makes much of that maneuvering unnecessary. Operating in narrow warehouse locations is much safer and more accurate with side loaders. 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. Programmable travel speeds are useful for allowing operators to match speed for particular jobs. 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 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 loaders take up less space compared to traditional forklift trucks. 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. 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. Side loaders used in these contexts must be able to work outdoors, often in varying temperatures and over uneven surfaces. This means an internal combustion engine and, sometimes, pneumatic tires are a better option for the job. Side loaders can efficiently load cumbersome items that are long and heavy by securing them in the middle. 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. This creates a forklift with a smaller footprint which is advantageous for traveling within confined locations. The operator also has increased visibility when operating in a standing position, especially when operating the forklift in reverse. Operators have a better view while standing and reversing compared to having to twist their body, back and neck to see as with a sit-down unit. 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 The sit-down side loader is more popular than standing loaders. Sit-down side loaders have a cab that is situated in the center of the machine. Sit-down forklifts have a raised platform and a seat that faces the control panel of the machine. The advantages of a sit down side loader are mostly in operator comfort. The operator is able to control the forklift from a resting position which decreases operator fatigue which increases productivity. 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. However, when customizing a side loader feature such as the bed length, consideration must be given to the width of aisles at the relevant jobsite as guide rails and aisles may need adjusting to accommodate the extra sized forklift, which is likely to affect budget and productivity. 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. 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 increases safety while decreasing damage to product and facilities. It also increases efficiency by lessening the time and space needed to maneuver around the job site. Several other features on side loader forklifts are often customized based on jobsite application. 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