Several points need to be considered when using this type of truck for delivery:
- The height of the container on the truck is 4.2 metres. You need to allow at least this height when going under powerlines/trees, eves of houses/factories or through doorways.
- Even though the container is 2.44 metres wide, the truck and mirrors etc need an opening of at least 2.9 metres.
- When the container is unloaded the distance from the end of the container to the end of the truck is approx. 1 metre. This is due to the outrigger leg, lifting arm and controls. This is relevant if you want the container delivered into a corner position, it won’t be tight in the corner.
- The truck will need at least 3 to 4 metres of clear space in front to drive away after unloading.
- The land where the truck parks to unload must be relatively level. If the site is sloping the truck can unload if parked across the slope but it is more difficult if the truck is positioned facing up or down the slope because as the container lifts off the tray it will swing on the lifting chains like a pendulum and collide with the lifting arms.
- Most transport companies don’t like to have their vehicles off-road. If delivery is into an area where the ground isn’t sealed or compacted/hardstand, the driver will inspect the area and make a judgment on whether or not to proceed. If the vehicle comes bogged/stuck, you will be liable for the recovery cost. So, it’s a good idea to make sure you identify any soft or wet areas/ old rubble drains, recently excavated/filled areas etc. then advise the driver of their location. It’s also beneficial to have alternative sites to place the container in case the driver won’t go off the first preferred compacted surface.
- On occasions a sideloader can be used to position containers over low fences. To achieve this, the two outrigger feet of the sideloader need to protrude through the fence line. This means that some sections of the fence may need to be removed.
Required Clearances When Dropping a Container Inside a Warehouse:
- The warehouse roller doors need a clearance of 4.5 metres to fit truck inside the warehouse.
- The lifting arms on the sideloader will need a clearance of 6.5 metres in height inside the warehouse to drop.
- The width of the truck dropping the container will need about 6 metres clearance.
- The length of the truck and sideloader is 19 metres.