Multi Directional Forklift Burbank

Used Side Loader Forklift Burbank - 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 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. 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. 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 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. These Class 2 side loader forklifts are designed to minimize the area taken up by the forklift truck. These machines create better efficiency and speed while moving, unloading and loading narrow aisle locations. Dangerous internal combustion emissions are eliminated due to their electrical power use, making side loaders excellent for interior applications. 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. Side loaders used in these contexts must be able to work outdoors, often in varying temperatures and over 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 Side loader forklifts can be either sit down units or stand on machines. Stand On Side Loader Forklifts Stand-on side loaders are found in warehouses and interior applications. They feature a small platform generally found in the middle of the unit that is where the operator stands and is surrounded by controls. There are several advantages to this design. Stand-on side loaders don’t have an operator seat, allowing for a more streamlined 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. 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. There are more safety and operator comfort in the stand-up side loaders, ensuring better visibility and less potential for damage or injury. 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 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. 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 Customizable bed lengths are a feature and benefit of side loader forklifts. 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. Side loaders need to consider aisle widths and guide rails prior to customization. These machines can function in a multidirectional manner. 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. More efficiency is attained since there are less space and time needed to move 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