Sideloaders have become a great choice for many businesses needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Commonly, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are utilized in industries which are making unusual items like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that produces awkward or oversized long things utilizes the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the United States Air Force. The original 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 produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In 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 utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin like a conventional forklift. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work environment and types of applications you would be putting your machinery through, will you be able to accurately determine the right kind of equipment to finish your tasks. There are several good rental alternatives available too in order to determine the best type of equipment to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to know the best alternative.