Multi Directional Forklift Massachusetts

Used Side Loader Forklift Massachusetts - 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. These machines have derived their name from the way they unload, load and transport material. Benefits of Side Loader Forklifts v Standard Forklifts Forklifts which operate on the standard counterbalance system may become unstable when loading, transporting or unloading heavy, long 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. Long loads such as timber, steel or pipes are more easily handled because the load is facing in the direction being traveled, reducing the overall width of the equipment and load. 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. 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. Programmable travel speeds are useful for allowing operators to match speed for particular jobs. Types of Side Loader Forklifts Class 2 - Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks The Class 2 Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks are where the side loader forklifts are classified. 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. 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. 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 Side loaders that are not powered by electricity obviously do not fall under 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. This means an internal combustion engine and, sometimes, pneumatic tires are a better option for the job. 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 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. The stand on unit has many advantages. 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. Especially while operating in reverse, there is greater operator visibility from a standing position. Operators have a better view while standing and reversing compared to having to twist their body, back and neck to see as with a sit-down unit. Stand-up models have comfort and safety. Better operator visibility lessens injuries and product damage. 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. Similar to the side loader stand, the sit-down unit features a centrally located cab. Sit-down forklifts have a raised platform and a seat that faces the control panel of the machine. 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. 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. However, when customizing a side loader feature such as the bed length, consideration must be given to the width of aisles at the relevant jobsite as guide rails and aisles may need adjusting to accommodate the extra sized forklift, which is likely to affect budget and productivity. Multidirectional abilities are one of the most popular features of these machines. Side loaders have crab steering to enable them to have two wheels operate separately from 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 helps to avoid damage to items and the building while increasing safety. Efficiency is further achieved by lessening the space and time required to travel around the job. Numerous side loader features can be customized to suit a job site. Customizable options include lift capacities, lift mast heights, tine length, mirrors, lights and more. 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