Multi Directional Forklift Glendale

Used Side Loader Forklift Glendale - Side loader forklifts are ideal for lifting long and heavy materials in narrow locations such as warehouse aisles, loading docks, lumber yards, etc. 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 It is common for forklifts that rely on the standard counterbalance design to potentially become unstable when unloading or loading heavy items. 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 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. 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. This means warehouse operations can manage in much smaller spaces with fewer modifications while also operating in a safer manner. 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 design enables operators to match speed to a certain job. 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. The side loader is useful for handling long and narrow loads in similar locations including lumber, carpet and laminate. They are also suited 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 Only side loaders that rely on electricity are in the Class 2 forklift classification. 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. 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 especially popular for these types of applications because the weight and length of materials being handled mean that the side loader forklift can maneuver between narrow stacks, piles or aisles to pick up the long load in their middle which is crucial for loading long items and safely transporting them. 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 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 several advantages to this design. It creates a more compact machine and smaller cab design since there is no seat for the operator. A forklift operating with a smaller footprint is excellent for working in high-traffic locations. 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 on standing forklifts can enter and exit the machine faster than sit-down cab units. Sit Down Side Loader Forklifts Of the two basic designs, the sit down side loader forklift is the most popular. Much like the stand on side loader, the sit down design has a cab usually located at the center of the truck. The difference that a sit down forklift has a raised platform with a seat facing the forklift’s control panel. 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. 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. Multidirectional abilities are one of the most popular features of these machines. 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 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. 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