Even if sales volumes have typically been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are utilized in businesses that are producing unconventional objects like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that makes oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, 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.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin like those utilized in standard lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional forklifts: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You will only be able to accurately know the best type of machine to finish your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work environment and types of jobs you would be completing. There are a few good rental alternatives available as well in order to determine the best kind of equipment to meet your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information also when trying to know the best choice.