Sideloaders have become a great option for many businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite popular within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Furthermore, they are utilized in industries that are producing unusual items like for example windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward objects uses 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 units were designed in response to a request from the United States 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 made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 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 machine's use in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin like a conventional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting 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 stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You would only be able to accurately know the best kind of machinery to finish your tasks, when you have completely assessed the work environment and types of jobs you would be performing. There are several good rental alternatives available too in order to determine the best type of machine to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best choice.