Sideloaders have become a great option for many companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Additionally, they are utilized in industries which are producing unconventional items including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial application but it was not developed 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. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because 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 like those used in traditional lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively as well as faster traveling speeds.
You will just be able to precisely determine the right type of equipment to complete your tasks, when you have fully evaluated the work setting and types of jobs you will be completing. There are a few good rental choices available as well in order to determine the right kind of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information also when trying to know the best option.