Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for lots of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unusual loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Additionally, they are utilized within businesses which are producing unconventional things like for instance windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward objects uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 concept was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the machine sitting inside a cabin like a traditional forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or standard lift trucks: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
Only when you assess your work setting and types of applications you would be putting your machine through, would you be able to accurately determine the right kind of equipment to complete your tasks. There are some great rental options available as well in order to determine the right type of equipment to meet your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.