Sideloaders have become a great choice for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are utilized in industries which are making unusual items like for example windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader lift truck. These early units were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial utilization 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. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment'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 machinery. The operator drives the machine sitting inside a cabin like a traditional forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading 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 reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You would only be able to accurately know the right kind of machinery to finish your tasks, once you have fully evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you would be performing. There are a few great rental options available too in order to know the best type of equipment to suit your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.