Sideloaders have become a terrific choice for lots of companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather common within the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Additionally, they are utilized within industries that are producing unconventional objects like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward things 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Side-loaders were originally made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 models were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The original 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 late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin like a traditional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts include: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more effectively.
You will just be able to precisely determine the best kind of equipment to finish your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of jobs you will be performing. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to determine the best type of equipment to meet all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to know the right alternative.