How a Sideloader can help your business

The Sideloader, as the name suggests, allows you to load and unload from the side of the machine. Here at Commander Handling we believe this intrinsic design can bring many benefits to your business and make them a great addition to our fleet.

Efficiency
There are many features of the slideloader which improve the efficiency of loading and therefore will save your business time, resource and money. For example:
•    No additional loading equipment is needed
•    Unlike standard forklifts they don’t need to turn and can load easily from the side, ensuring efficient deliveries to a designated point
•    With the tight turning circle, unique manoeuvrability and superior carrying methods an increase in the overall storage capacity of your site can be achieved
•    Sideloaders are more practical for long loads of items like timber and steel, as the load follows the direction travelled reducing width and load
•    Purchase of the Commander Sideloader, with its over engineered chassis, safe load tested cab and superb hydrostatic drive system, will ensure your company will only have to buy one once and that machine will last a life time.

Safety
We all know safety is of the upmost importance when moving and handling equipment, the sideloaders’ features can ensure your business is running as smooth as possible:
•    The flat bed of the Sideloader guarantees the load is stabilised and ensures safe and secure movement across your site
•    When steering the operator has clear visibility in front and behind for spotting potential hazards and obstructions
•    Sideloaders are designed to work in narrower aisles and doorways, plus with the Baumann sideloaders’ responsive handling it makes them easy to control, great for safe use in busy warehouses or stock rooms.

If you would like to know more about our range of sideloaders and how they can benefit your business and handling needs, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team today on 01924 827400. For more information on Sideloaders, please click here

Common forklift mistakes

To operate a forklift, rigorous training is required, as is a natural ability of navigation and spatial awareness.

However, even with these skills, mistakes can still be made with forklifts. And when it comes to operating machinery like forklifts in order to move heavy items, making mistakes is a safety hazard which can lead to injuries.

These common forklift mistakes can be easily fixed, though. So here are some of the most common ones we’ve come across and how best they can be dealt with:

Reckless driving

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes that forklift operators make, reckless driving is often done by newer forklift operators who aren’t fully accustomed to the ins and outs of driving a forklift. Reckless driving mainly manifests in driving at higher speeds than necessary, in order to rush through jobs or get to certain areas faster. This is dangerous and forklifts should only ever be driven at recommended speeds.

Not checking tyres

It is extremely important for forklift operators to check their tyres on a regular basis. Not doing so can cause to problems that impair the ability of the forklift to perform to its maximum capability. For example, under-inflated tyres can cause poor traction, while over-inflation can blow out and put the forklift out of action.

Not checking the battery

A minor mistake compared to the previous two, but if you don’t check the battery on a regular basis, you are more likely to lose power at a critical moment. It’s simple to check the battery of a forklift and this should be done before the beginning of every operation.

Forgetting to signal

A cause of annoyance on the roads, people who work in places where forklifts are operated can also be annoyed when drivers don’t signal the direction in which they are going. Even if the indicators aren’t working, the driver’s hands can be used, which can avoid inconveniences for others.

Here at Commander Handling we specialise in providing top quality forklift trucks all across the UK. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to give us a call now on 01924 827 400. Alternatively, see our range here.

What is a sideloader and what can it be used for?

A sideloader does exactly what it says. You load and unload from the side of the machine rather than forks at the front like with a counter balance.

With not much other difference from a forklift, it might be difficult then to establish what benefits it may have over a forklift where you load at the front. Well there are many differences which make them a great addition to the fleet.

Below are some of the other major positive differences:

  • Sideloaders, unlike a standard forklifts, don’t need to turn and this drive up alongside the rack or truck and load easily from the side.
  • Sideloaders are designed to work in narrower aisles and doorways
  • Side loaders are much more practical for long loads of items like timber and steel. This is because the load follows the direction travelled which reduces the width and load.
  • The ‘flatbed’ of the sideloader ensures safer movement of the load.
  • They are easier to steer because the operator has clear visibility in front and behind.

Other things to bear in mind however with sideloaders is that they are a specialist machine and are great for awkward and long loads. However, they might not be the best for every need so take it carefully.

If you would like to know more about our range of sideloaders and how they can work for you and your handling needs, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team today on 01924 827400 or visit our sideloader page on the website.

Investing in a forklift is a smart investment

Forklifts come in a wide range of different sizes and can be used for many different applications. You will find them on forecourts across the Yorkshire region, as well as in warehouses and many other company buildings. They are incredibly popular because it is often regarded that when a forklift is required there is very little other option to move the items so it is an essential piece of kit for many businesses.

Despite its regularity at venues across the Yorkshire region they however are a large investment. Getting the right one for your business is essential; but they can last a long time, making them a key component within your fleet of vehicles.

At Commander Handling, we can provide high quality forklifts for businesses across Yorkshire and further-afield. We are able to best recommended the forklift for your business should you be buying your first one, or help you pick out a newer machine for your company needs.

There are many options when choosing whether to buy a forklift or not. Because of their various applications, they come in a number of different sizes, and power ranges. When picking a forklift, it is very important to consider its intended use. It is always better to end up with too much, than a forklift that cannot do the intended job, and it could well be you can use your larger machine for different things.

Commander Handling offers many different counter balance forklift trucks via Nexen and have vast experience in providing for many different companies. If you would like to know more about our range of forklifts, as well as other products we have such as Sideloaders, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team today on 01924 827400. Whether you are based in Yorkshire or the rest of the UK, we can provide a solution for your needs.

See more information about forklifts right here.

Busy start to the Year for Commander Handling

The first few months of 2016 have been very busy for Commander Handling with lots of rebuilds and new deliveries of handling equipment across the UK.

Below is a breakdown of some of the works we have been completing during the past few months:

  • Commander Handling Ltd replaces a well-used 12-year-old Commander C50 SL with a fresh fully rebuilt Commander C50 SL for at least 10 more years of reliable service! (Jan 2016)
  • We have delivered a fresh fully rebuilt CombiLift C4000 to a North Yorkshire based timber company, that should assist with their handling requirements for a long time. (Jan 2016)
  • Commander Handling Ltd successfully delivers another 2 fully rebuilt Commander C65 SL for a long standing customer in New Holland. (April 2016)
  • The team delivers the final of 4 fully rebuilt Sideloaders to a Leicester based Timber company. The machines supplied complete with a fully comprehensive 60-month service & maintenance agreement. (February 2016)
  • Commander Handling Ltd successfully delivers another new Baumann HX50 Sideloader to a new customer in Cornwall. We also deliver a fully rebuilt Commander C40 SA Sideloader to our new customer in Cornwall.

If you would like to know more information about the company, any of the products we offer, or require any assistance with a new or refurbed machine, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. We are able to offer Nexen and Baumann handling equipment across the UK, providing some of the newest models on the market.

Top tips to help you choose the right forklift for your business

Picking the right forklift for your business is vital. Every single forklift is designed for specific job. The decision will affect everything within your company, including productivity through to employee morale and operational costs.

To help you make the right choice, the Commander Handling team has listed 7 things to consider when choosing your new forklift.

Business Environment

The environment your business operate in will greatly impact the type of forklift you can choose. You must consider the working conditions the forklift will be exposed to, such as the floor, is it outside all the time, and how often will the forklift be used? All three variables will dramatically change the choice dependent on your answers.

Height

Before choosing a machine, consider what the typical height of the lift is, how high it might need to lift and if your building has any height restrictions (these can include low hanging lights).

At the same time as checking the height, also look at the aisle width as this will also impact your decision.

Load size/capacity

Along with the height, you must look very carefully at the maximum lift capacity of your forklift. It would be disastrous to order a machine that is below your requirements. Things to consider include:

  • What is your average load weight?
  • What is the width of your loads?
  • What stock will the forklift be handling?
  • What is the heaviest load you need to lift?

At the same time, think about the type of load as attachments that can enhance a standard forklift could be available.

Type of Tyres

Earlier we mentioned about the environment you work in and this is important regarding tyres. There are various types including white non-marking and cushioned which all have a specific use. The tyres also impact the forklifts handling and safety so if you are unsure what type to pick, speak to our experienced team.

Fuel Type

There are three fuel options regarding forklifts – electric, gas or diesel.

Electric are much more efficient over the long term with a longer life span but cost more initially. They however operate at a lower audible range and produce no emissions.

Gas and diesel forklifts can move much bigger loads and move faster than electric. Diesel is the recommended choice when the forklift will be regularly lifting heavy loads in an outdoor environment.

It’s Appearance

Consider the health of the forklift operator as well. Sitting in the same seat for a long time can be detrimental to the back and increase the risk of your employees having time off. Look at the seat and much more.

By thinking about these important features when picking your forklift, you can guarantee your new purchase is right for your needs. If you require more information about any forklifts or other products Commander Handling stock or need assistance making your choice, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team today.

Commander Handling deliver seven sideloaders to Leicester based company

Commander Handling Ltd has recently completed a large single order of sideloaders after being commissioned to deliver seven to a Leicester based company in April 2016.

After speaking to the client and understanding their requirements, it was agreed that all seven sideloaders needed to be brand new Baumann HX50 sideloaders, recognised as being one of the top compact products on the market.

Baumann sideloaders are synonymous for having powerful engines and responsive handling, making them great for many different situations, and easy to control in busy environments (such as warehouses or stock rooms). The HX50 is compact and has a 3-5 tonne load capacity, the smallest in their range, ideal for the client.

Thanks to the great work of the Commander Handling team in Yorkshire, the total delivery was completed ahead of schedule much to the delight of the client who was able to start using his new sideloaders straight away and increase his productivity. The sideloaders were delivered in three installments across the month at the request of the client.

This is just one example where Commander Handling look to work closely with the client to ensure they get the machine most suited for their specific needs.

Commander Handling are able to provide a wide range of different plant machinery including side loaders and have over 70 years’ experience in the industry. If you are based in Yorkshire or further afield and require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team. Our range of other products include: forklifts, stackers and much more.

Nexen forklifts, counter balance, pallet trucks, stackers and more…

Commander Handling are a preferred supplier of Nexen lift products, whether you need, counter balance forklifts, pallet trucks, stackers reach trucks order pickers, tow trucks or full servicing packages we have the solution for you.

So if you want to know more please contact us on: (+44) 01924 827400 or send us an email [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you soon…

New website Launch

As you will know (since your on the site) we have just launched our new website and marketing brochure, its exciting time at Commander Handling so if you want to know more please contact us on: (+44) 01924 827400 or send us an email [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you soon…

Breaking News

Commander Handling are pleased to announce they recently secured a prestigious order for 7 new side loaders.

We can handle orders large or small so if you want to know more please contact us on: (+44) 01924 827400 or send us an email [email protected]