Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular within the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation industries. In addition, they are utilized in businesses that are making unconventional items like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made 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 late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early units 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 little from forward traveling, counterbalance forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin similar to a standard forklift. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
You will only be able to precisely know the right kind of machinery to complete your tasks, once you have fully assessed the work setting and types of tasks you would be completing. There are a few great rental options available too in order to know the right kind of equipment to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to know the best option.