Sideloaders have become a great choice for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. 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, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Furthermore, they are used within businesses that are making unconventional things like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes awkward or oversized long things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks located on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin like a standard lift truck. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New 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 conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your machinery through, would you be able to accurately know the right kind of machinery to complete your tasks. There are several great rental choices available as well in order to determine the right type of equipment to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.