Sideloaders have become a great alternative for a lot of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are used in industries which are producing unconventional items like for example windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry that makes awkward or oversized long items uses the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 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 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 differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts comprise: improved visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
Only once you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, would you be able to accurately know the right kind of equipment to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to determine the right type of machine to suit your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best choice.