Multi Directional Forklift Lancaster

Used Side Loader Forklift Lancaster - The side loader forklift is designed for lifting heavy cargo in narrow locations including loading docks, lumber yards and warehouse aisles. 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. 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. 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. Much of the maneuvering is eliminated with side loaders. These units help warehouse locations to manage smaller spaces much more safely. 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. 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. Narrow aisle locations are popular in warehouses for allowing maximum storage design and efficiency. 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. 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. 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. Exterior side loaders need to work outside and on 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. The stand on unit has many advantages. Stand-on side loaders don’t have an operator seat, allowing for a more streamlined cab design. This means the forklift has a smaller footprint which is an advantage when maneuvering around tight, high-traffic areas. There is better visibility for the operator when working in a standing position, particularly while operating the machine backward. 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 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. 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. Operators can control the machine from a resting position, greatly reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. Customizable Features The side loader has customizable bed length options to be suitable for many jobs. 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. These machines can function in a multidirectional manner. Side loaders have crab steering to enable them to have two wheels operate separately from 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 increases safety while decreasing damage to product and facilities. More efficiency is attained since there are less space and time needed to move around the job site. It is possible to customize a variety of side loader forklift features for specific jobs. 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