Side Loader training in Derby
The truck for very long loads. The mast sits in the middle of a flat deck and reaches out sideways to pick timber, steel and pipe.
Photo: Seitenstapler .jpg by Bulmor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About the side loader
A side loader carries its load along the length of the machine on a deck, with the mast mounted in the centre of the chassis. The mast traverses out to the side, lifts the load and retracts to rest it on the deck, so a twelve-metre length of steel can be driven down a normal aisle.
Because the load sits across the truck's width, lateral stability is the main concern: operators learn to keep the mast retracted when travelling, to use the stabilisers on cantilever racking, and to approach racking squarely. Visibility down the length of the load is limited, so banksmen and clear traffic routes are part of the training.
Side loaders are specialist machines and operators are often expected to work outside in all weathers, so the course covers surface conditions and wind as well as warehouse work.
What the course covers
- Pre-use inspection including deck, traverse mechanism and stabilisers
- Travelling with long loads on the deck
- Traversing the mast and lifting from cantilever racking
- Load assessment for bundles and loose lengths
- Working with banksmen and in yards
- Refuelling or charging and shutdown
On-site, on your truck
We bring an accredited instructor to your premises in Derby or anywhere in Derbyshire. You provide the truck and a safe working area; we provide everything else, including the theory material, test papers and HSE-recognised certificate. Novice, semi-experienced, refresher and conversion packages are all available for this truck.
Side Loader training questions
Is this the same as the 4-way reach truck?
No. A four-way truck carries the load on front forks and changes direction; a side loader carries it on a deck beside the cab. They are separate certificates.
Need operators certificated in Derby or Derbyshire?