The side forklift truck is a specialized material handling solution designed for long and bulky cargoes. Unlike traditional counterbalanced forklifts, the forks are mounted on the side of the body. In addition to lifting and tilting, the forks can traverse to the right side of the truck frame and retract back into the middle section.

This unique design allows long cargoes to be loaded lengthwise along the truck deck, significantly reducing the width of the passageway required. It is particularly suitable for handling timber, section steels, line poles, cement tubes, plastic pipes, and other over-length materials. It is widely used in railway stations, oilfields, harbours, warehouses, and construction sites.