Multi Directional Forklift Illinois

Used Side Loader Forklift Illinois - 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 which operate on the standard counterbalance system may become unstable when loading, transporting or unloading heavy, long 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. Side loaders eliminate the need for much of that maneuvering. These units help warehouse locations to manage smaller spaces much more safely. 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 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. 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. 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. Internal combustion models are common. These units rely on pneumatic tires for better transportation. Side loaders can efficiently load cumbersome items that are long and heavy by securing them in the middle. 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 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. The stand on unit has many advantages. It creates a more compact machine and smaller cab design since there is no seat for the operator. 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. 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. 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. Similar to the side loader stand, the sit-down unit features a centrally located cab. The sit-down models have a raised platform and a seat that is opposite to the controls. The advantages of a sit down side loader are mostly in operator comfort. The operator is able to control the forklift from a resting position which decreases operator fatigue which increases 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. 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. 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. Efficiency is further achieved by lessening the space and time required to travel around the job. It is possible to customize a variety of side loader forklift features for specific jobs. 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