Case Study - Handling Timber Inside and Out
Marlows Timber Engineering has taken delivery of a
Sidetracker multi-direction lift truck in preference to a diesel
sideloader to handle specialised sections 15 metres long within
restricted storage areas at its main depot.
Marlows recently added MacMillan trussed joist I-beams (TJIs)
to its product range. These sections are delivered in three-tonne
packs from the USA and cut by Marlows to length.
The Sidetracker is used to carry the TJIs between a storage
area, internal racking and a cutting table. The four-wheel twin
transmission design provides good stability and traction in all
conditions. It also enables the truck to turn a full circle on
its own centre and travel in any direction, greatly reducing
the space needed for handling and storage. Minimum aisle width
is 2.3 metres.
The storage capacity of vertical racking in the internal store
is maximised by the low load deck just 356mm (14 inches)
from the floor.
The battery-powered Sidetracker has health and safety benefits
in the internal storage and cutting area as it does not produce
fumes. Also, as the truck does not have electronic components,
it operates reliably in bad weather in the outside yard.
Wide fork spread provides a high degree of stability for the
long loads. Hydraulic control of the fork positioner makes spread
adjustment quick and easy.
