Multi Directional Forklift Sunnyvale

Used Side Loader Forklift Sunnyvale - Side loader forklifts are ideal for lifting long and heavy materials in narrow locations such as warehouse aisles, loading docks, lumber yards, etc. These machines have derived their name from the way they unload, load and transport material. 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. 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. This means warehouse operations can manage in much smaller spaces with fewer modifications while also operating in a safer manner. Programmable travel speeds can be found on many models. Units can lift up to twelve thousand pounds and travel at speeds greater than five miles an hour. 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 classification, as the title description suggests, encompasses forklifts that operate in narrow aisles and are powered by an electrical source. 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 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 loaders take up less space compared to traditional forklift trucks. 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 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. 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 The side loader forklift comes in two basic designs: 1. Stand on; and 2. Sit down. Stand On Side Loader Forklifts Stand-on side loaders are often seen in interior locations. It consists of a platform area that is surrounded by controls and usually found in the middle of the machine. 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. A forklift operating with a smaller footprint is excellent for working in high-traffic locations. Especially while operating in reverse, there is greater operator visibility from a standing position. 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 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. 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 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. 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. Side loaders need to consider aisle widths and guide rails prior to customization. Multidirectional abilities are one of the most popular features of these machines. These side loaders have crab steering which allows two wheels to operate independently from the others. This feature allows the side loader to move in all four directions by changing the direction of the wheels, allowing the forklift to move sideways into narrow storage aisles without making large, swing-out turns or multiple adjustments. The smaller turning radius increases safety while decreasing damage to product and facilities. Efficiency is further achieved by lessening the space and time required to travel around the job. 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