Used Four-way Sideloader Forklifts for sale— 53

What is a four-way forklift?

Four-way forklifts (also known as multi directional forklifts) are large, wheel-assisted forklifts with a design of a cross-seat reach truck. All wheels of the truck can be rotated 90° so that the direction of movement can be changed 90° at a time without having to turn off. The design also allows the truck to move transversely. The four-way forklifts are therefore characterised by very high manoeuvrability, which is why they are used for the storage and retrieval of goods in narrow aisle warehouses. 

In addition, bulky long goods can be transported and stored using four-way stackers and returnable stackers. These models are equipped with suitable long fork carriers. The carriers have a greater distance between the tines. Four-way forklifts and returnable forklifts are used both by classic warehouse logistics specialists and in pallet warehouses, for example in DIY stores or by window producers. Significantly shorter picking and handling times than in the case of other forklifts speak in favour of their use.

Characteristics of four-way forklift trucks

To minimise the risk of tipping, the truck's centre of gravity is located inside the wheel base. Thanks to this design, the four-way stackers can be used wherever companies have to struggle with lack of space, e.g. in narrow aisle warehouses.  

The four-way stacker is equipped with rigid forks mounted on a movable lifting mast. The lift mast is hydraulically pushed forward by rollers, which insert the forks underneath the loading unit. 

In contrast to conventional reach trucks, which can only pick up and transport the load in the direction of movement, the four-way forklifts can take curves and even move sideways thanks to the 90° rotating wheels. As the four-way stacker does not require any rotation in the rack aisle during storage or retrieval, the turning circle does not have to be taken into account for the aisle width. The operator can drive across the aisle until he has reached his destination. This is particularly advantageous for storage and retrieval in rack warehouses, where the racks are very close to each other.  

Even more flexible than four-way forklifts are returnable forklifts in which the wheels can be turned over 90°. With the multi-directional stacker, the driver can control any direction of travel and even turn on the spot. The multidirectional truck can be rotated on the spot using specially designed Mecanum wheels which are not connected to the steering axle.

What are the types of four-way forklifts?

Four-way and returnable forklifts can be powered by both electric and internal combustion engines. As electrically driven forklifts are emission-free and quiet, they can be used in closed warehouses. The modern versions of electric four-way forklifts reach maximum capacities of up to 20 tons and can lift loads up to 10m. Diesel or gas powered models are used outdoors due to emissions. A great advantage of these models is their particularly robust construction, thanks to which they can work safely and without accidents even in adverse environmental conditions. They can even do their job well on unpaved terrain.  

What are leading four-way forklift manufacturers?

Some of the most popular manufacturers of four-way forklift trucks are among others: 

• Hubtex
• Combi-Lift
• BT
• Fenwick
• Fantuzzi
• Baumann
• Jumbo
• Linde
• Palfinger 
• Sichelschmidt

Where can I buy a used four-way forklift?

The price range for a new multi directional forklift lies between $20,000 and $170,000 or more. Used equipment is obviously much cheaper. When buying a used four-way forklift you can save up to 50%, depending on the age, running time and condition of the vehicle. 

On TradeMachines.com you can compare the offers of many auction houses before the purchase of your machine. Enter your search criteria in the filters on the left of our web page and choose the right truck for you.