Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unusual loads. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. In addition, they are used within industries that are making unconventional things like moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made in 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 initial idea was patented for commercial use 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. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive in a cabin similar to those used in conventional lift trucks. 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 metal or wooden 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.
A few of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks consist of: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You would only be able to accurately know the right kind of machine to complete your tasks, when you have completely assessed the work environment and types of tasks you will be performing. There are several great rental choices available too in order to determine the right kind of equipment to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best choice.