Even if sales volumes have usually been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of equipment within the material handling industry for handling unusual loads in a simple way.
Sideloaders are quite common in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are used in industries that are making unusual objects including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which makes awkward or oversized long things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made in 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 original idea was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units 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 forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You would only be able to precisely determine the best type of machinery to finish your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work environment and types of tasks you will be performing. There are several good rental choices available as well in order to know the right type of machinery to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to know the right choice.