Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for lots of companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Additionally, they are used within industries that are making unconventional things like for instance windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward things uses 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 models were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were designed 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 little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machinery sitting in a cabin similar to a conventional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally 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 integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard forklifts: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more effectively in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only once you assess your work setting and kinds of applications you would be putting your machine through, would you be able to accurately determine the right kind of machinery to finish your tasks. There are several great rental choices available too in order to know the right type of machine to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best choice.