Even though sales volumes have normally been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery within the material handling business for dealing with unusual loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite common within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Moreover, they are utilized in businesses which are making unconventional objects like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that makes oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially 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 United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, since the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin like those utilized in conventional lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks include: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your machinery through, would you be able to accurately know the right kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are several great rental options available too in order to determine the right kind of machinery to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right choice.