Sideloader Forklifts

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Side Loader Forklifts

Side loader forklifts are specialist trucks designed to carry loads alongside the machine rather than directly in front. They’re particularly suited to handling long, bulky or awkward materials in timber yards, steel operations, builders’ merchants and manufacturing facilities where conventional forklifts can be difficult to manoeuvre.

Welfaux supplies standard, electric, diesel and multi-directional side loader forklifts for sale and hire. Explore our new forklifts or forklift hire options, or speak to our team about the right equipment for your site.

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Products / Sideloader Forklifts

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Under 2m
2 - 3m
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CAPACITY
Under 1000 kg
1000 - 2000 kg
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3000 - 5000 kg
5000 - 10,000 kg
Over 10,000 kg
FUEL TYPE
Diesel or Gas
Electric
Combilift 4 Wheel Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Diesel Forklift

Combilift 4 Wheel Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Diesel

Load Capacity:

5,000-6,000kg

Lift Height:

4040mm

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CombiLift C Series Electric Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Electric Forklift

CombiLift C Series Electric Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

3000-5000kg

Lift Height:

4040mm

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Combilift C‑Series Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

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£59,750

Diesel Forklift

Combilift C‑Series Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Diesel

Load Capacity:

2500-5000kg

Lift Height:

4040mm

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Combilift FSE Electric Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Electric Forklift

Combilift FSE Electric Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

5,000-8,000kg

Lift Height:

4040mm

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Combilift SL Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Diesel Forklift

Combilift SL Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Diesel

Load Capacity:

4,500-5,000kg

Lift Height:

6300mm

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Combilift SLE Electric Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Electric Forklift

Combilift SLE Electric Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Diesel

Load Capacity:

4,500-5,000kg

Lift Height:

6300mm

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HC Side Loader Forklift

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POA

Diesel Forklift

HC Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

3,000-6,000kg

Lift Height:

3600mm

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HC X Series 4-Way Lithium Reach Truck

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POA

Reach Truck

HC X Series 4-Way Lithium Reach Truck

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

2000-3000 kg

Lift Height:

8500mm

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MiMA MQ Series Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Buy From

£38,900

Reach Truck

MiMA MQ Series Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

2500-5000 kg

Lift Height:

8000mm

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MiMA MQC Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

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£39,699

Electric Forklift

MiMA MQC Multi Directional Side Loader Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

2500-5000kg

Lift Height:

8800mm

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MiMA MQK30 Multi Directional Counterbalance Forklift

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£38,995

Electric Forklift

MiMA MQK30 Multi Directional Counterbalance Forklift

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

3000kg

Lift Height:

8000mm

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MiMA MQZ Multi Directional Lithium Reach Truck

Buy From

£37,777

Reach Truck

MiMA MQZ Multi Directional Lithium Reach Truck

Drive Type:

Electric

Load Capacity:

2500-3000 kg

Lift Height:

8500mm

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What Is a Side Loader Forklift?

A side loader forklift carries its load alongside the truck rather than directly in front. This keeps long materials aligned with the machine as it travels, helping the truck move through narrower spaces without the load projecting ahead.

Compared with a conventional counterbalance forklift, this design is better suited to handling long or awkward loads where manoeuvring can be difficult. Some specialist models also offer multi-directional steering for more complex handling requirements.

Why Choose a Side Loader Forklift?

Side loader forklifts are designed for materials that are difficult to handle efficiently with a standard front-loading truck. Carrying timber, steel and other long or awkward loads alongside the machine can make day-to-day handling more controlled across busy yards, warehouses and production sites.

They can also help businesses make better use of storage space, particularly where loads need to be collected from racking or transported along aisles with limited turning room. Choosing the right model depends on your load capacity, lift height, operating environment and handling requirements.

Types of Side Loader Forklifts

Our range of sideloader forklifts currently includes 12 products, with different power options and configurations available to suit a variety of long-load handling applications. This range gives you more choice when matching a side loader to your load type, operating environment and day-to-day handling requirements.

Electric Side Loader Forklifts

View our electric side loader options to compare the available models. Electric side loaders are well suited to indoor and mixed material-handling environments where electric operation is practical. Welfaux offers models from manufacturers including Combilift and MiMA, with a range of capacities and configurations. Options include the Combilift FSE, offering lifting capacities of 5,000–8,000 kg and a lift height of 4,040 mm.

Diesel Side Loader Forklifts

Diesel side loaders are suited to demanding outdoor and mixed working environments where diesel power is appropriate. Welfaux offers Combilift models with different lifting capacities to suit various applications. Options include the Combilift 4 Wheel Side Loader, with capacities of 5,000–6,000 kg, and the Combilift C-Series, offering 2,500–5,000 kg. Both have a lift height of 4,040 mm.

Multi-Directional Side Loader Forklifts

Multi-directional side loaders offer greater manoeuvrability by travelling in different directions while carrying long loads. They're particularly useful in warehouses and storage areas with limited turning space. Welfaux offers models from MiMA and Combilift, including the MiMA MQ, MQC and MQK30 ranges. The MiMA MQC offers lifting capacities of 2,500–5,000 kg and lift heights up to 8,800 mm.

4-Way Side Loaders and Specialist Options

4-way equipment offers greater directional flexibility when handling long loads, making it useful in warehouses and storage areas with restricted manoeuvring space. Welfaux offers the HC X Series 4-Way Lithium Reach Truck, a specialist electric model listed within the Sideloader category. It has a lifting capacity of 2,000–3,000 kg and a lift height of 8,500 mm.

Applications for Side Loader Forklifts

Side loader forklifts are particularly suited to businesses handling long, bulky or awkward materials. They make it easier to transport loads through warehouses, yards and storage areas where conventional forklifts may require more room to manoeuvre.

Common applications include:

  • Timber Merchants: Handling long lengths of timber and related materials.
  • Steel Stockholders: Transporting steel sections, bars and other lengthy loads.
  • Builders’ Merchants: Moving pipes, panels, sheet materials and construction products.
  • Manufacturing Facilities: Transporting long components, raw materials and fabricated items.
  • Warehouses & Storage Yards: Moving long loads through narrow aisles and restricted routes.
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Side Loader Forklift vs Counterbalance Forklift

The key difference is how the load is carried. A counterbalance forklift carries goods in front of the truck, making it well suited to conventional pallet handling and more compact loads. A side loader carries loads alongside the machine, making it better suited to long, bulky or awkward materials that can be difficult to manoeuvre with front-loading equipment.

Side loaders can also be more practical where long loads need to travel through narrow aisles, yards or storage areas with limited turning space. Counterbalance forklifts are generally better suited to conventional handling tasks. The right choice depends on your materials, site layout and operating requirements.

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How to Choose the Right Side Loader Forklift

Choosing the right side loader starts with understanding your load requirements and the space the truck needs to operate in. Load length is particularly important, as it can affect movement through aisles, doorways and restricted access points.

Key factors to consider include:

  • Load Capacity: Match the truck’s rated capacity to the weight of the materials being handled.
  • Load Length & Dimensions: Consider the full size and shape of the load, not just its weight.
  • Lift Height: Check the height of racking and storage locations where materials need to be placed.
  • Aisle Width & Storage Layout: Assess turning space, racking configurations, access routes and loading points to ensure safe manoeuvring.
  • Power Source: Consider whether electric or diesel is better suited to your operating hours and requirements.
  • Operating Environment: Account for indoor, outdoor or mixed working conditions.
  • Multi-Directional Capability: Consider whether additional directional flexibility would make handling long loads easier in restricted spaces.

If you’re handling unusual loads or working within a complex site layout, speak to Welfaux about your requirements. Our team can provide practical advice and arrange a free site visit where appropriate.

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Why Choose Welfaux?

With 40 years of experience, Welfaux takes a practical, customer-first approach to specialist material handling. As a family-run business, we focus on matching the right equipment to your load requirements, site layout and operating environment, providing expert advice on capacity, lift height and truck configuration.

We support customers nationwide with side loader forklift sales and hire, alongside ongoing aftercare through forklift servicing and forklift repairs. Learn more about Welfaux and our family-run approach.

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Side Loader Forklift FAQs

What is a side loader forklift used for?

Side loader forklifts are used to handle long, bulky or awkward materials such as timber, steel, pipes, panels and sheet materials. They are commonly used by timber merchants, steel stockholders, builders’ merchants and manufacturers where long-load handling is a regular requirement.

What are the advantages of a side loader forklift?

A side loader carries materials alongside the truck, which can make long loads easier to manoeuvre through restricted spaces. This arrangement can also reduce the turning space required when transporting lengthy materials through warehouses, yards and storage areas.

How does a side loader forklift work?

A side loader picks up and carries its load alongside the truck rather than directly in front. Keeping long materials parallel with the machine can make them more practical to transport through areas where a forward-facing load would be difficult to manoeuvre.

What is a multi-directional side loader forklift?

A multi-directional side loader can travel in different directions, giving operators greater flexibility when positioning and transporting long loads in restricted areas. Not every side loader offers the same directional capabilities, with Welfaux currently supplying multi-directional options from Combilift and MiMA.

How much can a side loader forklift lift?

Capacity varies between models. Welfaux’s current range of side loaders and specialist machines spans approximately 2,000kg to 8,000kg, but the correct specification will also depend on factors such as the load dimensions and required lift height.

How high can a side loader forklift lift?

Lift height varies considerably depending on the model and application. For example, the MiMA MQC in Welfaux’s current range is listed with a lift height of up to 8,800mm.

Are side loader forklifts suitable for narrow aisles?

Side loaders can suit narrow or restricted areas because the load travels alongside the truck, while relevant multi-directional models provide additional flexibility. The aisle width required will depend on the truck, load dimensions and operating configuration, so tighter sites may benefit from a site assessment.

Can I hire a side loader forklift from Welfaux?

Yes. Welfaux offers forklift truck hire on short- and long-term arrangements, with side loader hire options offering capacities from 2.5 to 5 tonnes and lift heights up to 8,800 mm.

Can Welfaux service and repair side loader forklifts?

Welfaux provides ongoing support through forklift servicing and forklift repairs, helping customers maintain their equipment beyond the initial sale or hire.

Find the Right Side Loader Forklift

Choosing the right side loader forklift depends on your load dimensions, lifting requirements, site layout and operating environment. Welfaux can help you identify suitable equipment based on how and where the truck will be used.

Whether you’re looking to purchase or hire a side loader forklift, our team can provide practical advice and recommend suitable options. Contact Welfaux to discuss your requirements and request a tailored quote.

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Welfaux Limited
Toutley Industrial Estate
Toutley Road, Wokingham
RG41 1QN

T: 0118 978 3838 E: [email protected]
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