Even though sales volumes have usually been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery within the material handling business for handling unconventional loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite popular in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used within industries which are producing unconventional objects like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in 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 US Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial utilization 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. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During 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 utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks located on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin similar to a traditional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks include: improved visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You would only be able to accurately determine the best type of machinery to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and types of tasks you would be performing. There are a few great rental choices available as well in order to determine the best type of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.