Multi-Directional Forklift Trucks & Material Handling Equipment for Sale & Hire
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Welcome to Sidetracker
Sidetracker is a leading material handling equipment and forklift supplier located in the Sheffield City Region. With over 60 years of expertise, we deliver solutions that save you time, space, and costs. Each product is meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs of your operations and budget, designed to tackle even the most challenging tasks.
From initial design and manufacture to commissioning, servicing, and ongoing support, Sidetracker is trusted by micro businesses, major enterprises, and everything in between. Whatever your requirements, we collaborate with you to configure safe, efficient, and reliable solutions that transform material handling in your facility.
Sidetracker Engineering is part of the Penny Engineering Group 
Read more about the acquisition here.
Unrivalled
360° Manoeuvrability
Long & Heavy
Load
Handling
Navigate
the Narrowest Aisles
Engineered
for Maximum Safety
Extensive
Customisation Options
Rapid Spares
& Support
Service
Specialised Forklift Trucks & Material Handling Equipment
No matter the handling challenge, Sidetracker has a solution for every application. Our factory craft forklifts in the UK and material handling equipment to combine unrivalled manoeuvrability with low deck heights, compact dimensions, and the highest safety standards – making light work of the longest, most awkward loads in the tightest spaces.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We can work with you on a range of customised material handling solutions to address your unique operational demands. Contact our team for a quick chat about your situation, and we’ll let you know how we can help.
Used Forklifts & Forklift Hire in Sheffield
In addition to our new forklifts available for purchase, we offer a variety of used forklifts for sale, as well as both new and used forklifts for hire. This flexibility allows our customers to benefit from Sidetracker’s specialised forklift and material handling solutions while maintaining fixed costs and minimising capital outlay.
Whether you choose to buy a new or reconditioned Sidetracker forklift or opt for our rental service, you can trust us to keep your operations running smoothly. Our after-sales servicing and technical support are as reliable as our forklifts themselves, with a first-time fix rate of 98% and resolving 94% of breakdowns within 4 hours of arrival on-site.
Sectors & Applications
All Sidetracker forklift trucks are custom-made to order to ensure the perfect fit for your facility and application. With two hydrostatic transmissions and an advanced chassis design, they deliver optimal performance indoors, outdoors, and even in wet conditions.
Engineered for maximum safety, our forklifts provide consistently effective traction, steering, and braking. Running short on space? Our products can seamlessly handle loads of up to 18m long, navigate the narrowest aisles, and operate exceptionally well at height.
Whether you need a solution for metal stockholding, transporting long and awkward materials, timber handling, and more – Sidetracker is your trusted partner for safe and efficient material handling across a multitude of forklift sectors.
TESTIMONIALS
Don’t just take our word for it
By Your Side
Support and Servicing
We know that when your machine is down, it’s costing you money. Our maintenance and servicing packages ensure your Sidetracker forklift brings optimal performance year-round. Our technical hotline is here to answer all queries with impartial, practical advice, and our qualified team can guide your engineers through any challenge they may face.
Committed to providing high-quality, high-performance products, we maintain a comprehensive stock of spare parts available for overnight delivery. Combined with our nationwide breakdown support, Sidetracker guarantees maximum uptime for your equipment, no matter where you’re located.
Forklifts Sheffield: Made in Britain
Celebrating over 60 years of manufacturing in the UK, Sidetracker’s specialised forklift trucks and material handling solutions are at the forefront of innovation and reliability when it comes to transporting long and awkward loads and is now proudly managed by the grandson of the founder.
Accreditations
Sidetracker Engineering believe in delivering the highest standard of product and service to our customers. We pride ourselves on the various accreditations we have received in this pursuit.
Sidetracker Forklift FAQs
What is a multi-directional forklift?
Simply put, a multi-directional Sidetracker forklift is specially designed to handle long and awkward loads safely via a multi-direction steering system with 360° manoeuvrability (forwards, backwards, sideways, and diagonally). These vehicles are also referred to as four-way, multi-way, and 4-way forklifts.
Which forklift can drive sideways?
Sidetracker offers a series of side loader forklifts that enable operators to manoeuvre in multiple directions, including sideways. These vehicles allow long and awkward loads to be navigated through even the narrowest aisles.
How often should forklifts be serviced?
To ensure your electric forklift truck is fully operational and safe to use for operators, it is recommended that it should be serviced at least every 500 hours and replaced every 5-7 years or 10,000 hours of operation. For low use operation your Sidetracker forklift can last much longer with some forklift trucks being used daily for over 30 years.
When does a forklift licence expire?
Forklift licences, unlike typical driving licences, do not expire. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends that forklift operators complete a refresher course every 3 years. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure this training is enforced.
Whilst forklift licences are not mandatory for multi-directional forklifts, ‘adequate training’ must be provided by a competent training whether in house of external.
How much is a new forklift for sale from Sidetracker?
When purchasing a new forklift from Sidetracker, each unit is custom-built to meet your specific requirements. Therefore, the price will be provided after discussing your unique specifications. For more information, please contact us directly.
Do forklift trucks need road tax?
Forklift trucks only need road tax if they are operated on public roads. If the forklift is used exclusively indoors or on private property, road tax is not required.
Do forklift trucks require motor insurance?
Forklift trucks require at least third-party motor insurance if they are operated on public roads. However, if the forklift is used solely indoors or on private property, motor insurance is not necessary.
What is a specialised forklift truck?
A specialised forklift truck refers to a motorised industrial vehicle purposefully designed to lift, move, and transport heavy or awkward materials, such as timber and metal. It is equipped with forks that can be raised or lowered hydraulically, enabling the simple, safe, and efficient carrying of pallets, crates, and other loads.
There are several types of Sidetracker forklift trucks to suit individual material handling requirements, even for long loads. These include side loader forklifts, multi-directional forklifts, 4-way reach trucks, order picker forklifts, and even fully customised designs. View our Products for more details.
To ensure your Sidetracker forklift truck remains fully operational and safe to use, we recommend booking a service every 500 hours of operation.
Does LOLER cover forklifts?
Yes, all forklifts in UK workplace operations are subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). They must be LOLER certified and examined by a LOLER-approved “competent person” every 6-12 months.
Do I have to buy forklift and material handling solutions from Sidetracker?
Not at all. As a leading forklift supplier, we offer a range of forklift trucks for hire, even at short notice. Our standard rentals are available for flexible durations, whether you need them for weeks, months, or longer. For specialist applications, we can develop fully bespoke solutions, but these are only available for long-term contracts.
What are the four main groups of material handling equipment?
There are four main types of material handling equipment, addressing the various needs encountered in a warehouse environment:
- Storage & Handling Equipment
- Industrial Trucks
- Engineered Systems
- Bulk Material Handling Equipment
Multi-directional forklifts, side loaders, reach trucks, and other material handling vehicles are categorised as industrial trucks.
Why is material handling equipment important?
Specialised forklift and material handling solutions are essential for improving operational efficiency in warehouses and other industrial facilities, improving lead times and driving revenue. They also ensure your workforce, stock, and equipment are kept safe from potential accidents, injury, and damage.