Multi Directional Forklift Long Beach

Used Side Loader Forklift Long Beach - 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. The side loader forklift can tackle these awkward loads including timber and extensive pipes with greater 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 gift the operator with an unobstructed view. This is often compromised on standard forklifts with the tines or front-carrying load design. 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. 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 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 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. These are popular in warehouses, covered loading docks and other facilities that use a narrow aisle configuration or require moving between narrow spaces and where long items such as laminates, carpet, bar stock, lumber and furniture are stocked. 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 loaders take up less space compared to traditional forklift trucks. This allows increased efficiency and speed when moving, loading and unloading in narrow aisles. Electric power reduces harmful emissions and allows these machines to be used mainly inside. 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. Internal combustion models are common. These units rely on pneumatic tires for better transportation. 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 has two kinds of designs, sit down models or stand on models. 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 many advantages to the stand-on 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. 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. There are more safety and operator comfort in the stand-up side loaders, ensuring better visibility and less potential for damage or injury. Finally, the operator in a stand on forklift is able to enter and exit the cab quicker than a sit down forklift which can increase workplace efficiency in some applications. 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. 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. Operators can control the machine from a resting position, greatly reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. It is possible to customize a variety of side loader forklift features for specific jobs. 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