Sideloaders have become a great choice for many businesses needing to perform handling jobs on unusual loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are utilized in industries which are making unusual things like for instance windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin similar to those used in conventional forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You will only be able to accurately determine the best type of machinery to finish your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you will be completing. There are several good rental alternatives available as well in order to know the best kind of machine to suit your needs. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.