Sideloaders have become a great option for a lot of companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are utilized in businesses which are producing unusual objects including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that produces awkward or oversized long items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during the year 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 designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin similar to those utilized in traditional forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks include: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, will you be able to accurately know the right kind of equipment to complete your tasks. There are some great rental options available as well in order to know the best type of machinery to accomplish your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the best option.