A forklift that loads from the side rather than the front, used for long loads like lumber or pipe.
Detailed Definition
A side loader mounts its mast and forks on the side of the truck, facing across the direction of travel. It picks a load from beside the truck and lowers it onto a flat deck next to the operator, so long material rides lengthwise along the truck rather than across its front. That lets it move lumber, pipe, steel bar, extrusions or panels through narrow aisles and doorways that a standard forklift could not handle with the same load. Models range from compact electric units for indoor racking to large diesel machines for outdoor yards.
Side loader vs multidirectional forklift
A classic side loader always lifts from one side and carries the load on its deck. A multidirectional forklift looks more like a front-load reach truck but can turn its wheels to drive sideways, carrying long loads lengthwise through the aisle. Both solve the same problem. Side loaders tend to suit long, heavy loads moved over longer distances, while multidirectional trucks are often chosen when the same truck must also handle standard pallets.
Where side loaders fit in a facility
Side loaders pair naturally with cantilever rack, which has no front columns to block long loads. Because the truck travels parallel to the rack face, aisles can be narrower than a front-load forklift turning a long load would need. Plan aisle width, floor flatness and door widths with the truck manufacturer, and check that rack arm capacity and spacing match the lengths and weights being stored.
Training and safety
Side loaders are powered industrial trucks, so OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 applies. Training must cover the specific truck type, including how the load is carried on the deck, visibility on the load side, and stability when extending the mast.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a side loader handle standard pallets?
Yes, many can lift palletized loads, but it is rarely the most efficient tool for pallet work. The truck must pull alongside each pallet, and its deck and forks are set up for long material. If most of your volume is standard pallets with some long items, a multidirectional forklift or a standard truck plus a separate long-load solution may be a better fit. Ask the dealer for a demonstration with your actual loads.
Does a regular forklift certification cover side loaders?
Not automatically. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires employers to train and evaluate operators on the types of trucks they will actually use, and on the workplace conditions they will face. An operator trained only on counterbalanced forklifts needs additional truck-specific training and an evaluation before operating a side loader. Keep records showing the training and evaluation covered that truck type.