In narrow aisles between shelves and tight warehouses, side-loading forklifts work well, as they are very maneuverable. In such places, front-loading forklifts will not pass the test. These types of devices are equipped with forks mounted on the side, perpendicular to the operator. In addition to their specific construction, they also have the ability to lift forks to great heights, which is why they are also called high-storage forklifts.
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Forklifts for Narrow Aisles – Characteristic Features
Side-loading forklifts are extremely maneuverable, their compact construction allows them to move freely even in very small spaces. Some of them have the ability to move in all directions. The cabin provides comfort and safety for the operator, its specific construction enables good visibility, and the metal canopy protects against the possibility of cargo falling from height. Forklifts for narrow aisles have electric drive, which allows for free work in enclosed spaces without fear of harmful exhaust emissions. Battery replacement and charging is simple and doesn’t take much time. Side-loading forklifts can lift loads even to several dozen meters, which is why they have an unusual construction:
- the mast and forks are mounted perpendicularly, the operator cabin is small, it also has additional roofing,
- they are equipped with solid tires, they withstand high pressure when lifting loads, serve as counterweight and protect against forklift tipping over.
Side-loading forklifts have a very small turning radius and are exceptionally controllable, which is useful especially in small areas. One of the forklift’s major advantages is the lack of assuming a horizontal position when performing loading, however, it should be remembered that the operator’s seat is positioned sideways to the direction of travel, turning the steering wheel right causes a left turn, which can be very confusing at first. Before starting to drive a side-loading forklift, appropriate training should be completed.
Forklifts for Narrow Aisles – Applications
Side-loading forklifts can be used in warehouses with narrow aisles and limited space between shelves, they are used in high-storage locations for arranging high-storage loads. They are also useful for transporting long and non-standard goods. They work very well in places such as:
- manufacturers of long profiles,
- logistics companies,
- construction markets and wholesalers,
- they are also used in distribution centers and warehouses with narrow aisles.
When using such vehicles, attention should be paid to ceiling height, because side-loading forklifts with folded mast should have the possibility of free movement along the entire length of the route. The narrow and compact construction makes them universal and easy to operate, positively affecting work comfort throughout the enterprise. They are efficient, inexpensive to maintain and move smoothly through narrow aisles.
