Sideloaders have become a great choice for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used in industries that are producing unusual objects including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or conventional forklifts: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to accurately determine the right type of machine to finish your tasks. There are several great rental choices available as well in order to determine the best kind of equipment to meet all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.