Sideloaders have become a great choice for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are used within industries which are making unusual things including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed during 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 initial idea was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models 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 inside a cabin like a standard forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or traditional forklifts: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You will only be able to precisely know the best kind of machine to finish your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work environment and types of tasks you will be performing. There are several good rental choices available as well in order to determine the best type of machine to suit your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the right alternative.