Multi Directional Forklift Northwest Territories

Used Side Loader Forklift Northwest Territories - 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. The side loader forklift can tackle these awkward loads including timber and extensive pipes with greater stability. Having the load face the direction of travel ensures that timber and steel can be easier to maneuver. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Side loaders that are not powered by electricity obviously do not fall under 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. This means an internal combustion engine and, sometimes, pneumatic tires are a better option for the job. 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 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. The stand on side loader does not require a seat for the operator which allows for a smaller cab design. This means the forklift has a smaller footprint which is an advantage when maneuvering around tight, high-traffic areas. 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 Sit-down loaders are more popular than standing loaders. Much like the stand on side loader, the sit down design has a cab usually located at the center of the truck. The sit-down models have a raised platform and a seat that is opposite to the controls. Operator comfort is one of the main advantages of the sit-down side loader. The operator is able to control the forklift from a resting position which decreases operator fatigue which increases 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. One popular feature for these forklifts is multidirectional capability. 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. Safety is increased with the tighter turning radius and damage is avoided to facilities and items. It also increases efficiency by lessening the time and space needed to maneuver 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