Sideloaders have become a terrific option for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are utilized in industries which are making unconventional objects like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry that produces oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 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 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 use in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machinery sitting in a cabin similar to a standard lift truck. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work setting and types of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to accurately know the best kind of machine to finish your tasks. There are several great rental choices available too in order to know the best kind of equipment to meet your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best alternative.