Sideloaders have become a terrific option for many businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unusual loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Commonly, side-loaders are used within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Moreover, they are used in businesses which are producing unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that produces awkward or oversized long objects uses the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, since the traditional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin like those utilized in standard lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machinery through, will you be able to accurately know the best kind of machinery to complete your tasks. There are several good rental alternatives available too in order to know the right kind of machinery to meet your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to know the right alternative.