Even though sales volumes have usually been small, around 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling business for handling unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Sideloaders are rather common in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are utilized in businesses which are producing unconventional objects like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that makes awkward or oversized long objects utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed 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 made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, 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 designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from forward traveling, counterbalance forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin like a conventional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard lift trucks: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely know the right type of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental alternatives available too in order to determine the best kind of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best option.