Specialist board merchant Hedsorboard would have to double the size of its warehouse in north Kent if conventional counterbalanced lift trucks were used instead of its two Sidetrackers, according to operations manager Bill Harris.

Choosing the two multi-direction Sidetracker lift trucks to handle the paper reels has allowed narrow aisles and minimum turning areas to be provided within the 20,000 sq ft building, maximising storage capacity.

Both trucks are fitted with paper clamps which can handle reels from 250mm to 1500mm diameter. Fully retractable masts enable the reels to be carried within the overall dimensions of the trucks which can stack to over 8 metres high.

This design, in conjunction with a rail guidance system, has allowed the aisles to be only 2400mm wide and has also minimised product damage.

Twin axle steering enables the trucks to rotate about their own centres, which minimises turning areas at the end of each aisle. The forward facing seat at one end, allows drivers to get on and off within the aisles.