Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for a lot of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Normally, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are utilized within businesses that are producing unconventional things like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that makes awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in 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 US Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin similar to those utilized in conventional lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or traditional forklifts: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You will just be able to precisely determine the right kind of machine to finish your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work environment and types of tasks you would be performing. There are some good rental choices available too in order to know the best kind of machinery to meet all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the best alternative.