Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for many businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unusual loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Commonly, side-loaders are utilized within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used in industries which are making unusual items like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally designed the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin similar to a conventional forklift. 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 metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more effectively.
Only once you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your equipment through, would you be able to accurately know the best type of machinery to complete your tasks. There are several great rental options available as well in order to determine the best kind of machinery to suit your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best choice.