Sideloaders have become a terrific option for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual loads. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Moreover, they are used in businesses that are making unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 original idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a traditional forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: improved visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
Only once you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, would you be able to accurately know the right kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are several great rental alternatives available as well in order to know the best type of machinery to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.