Sideloaders have become a great alternative for lots of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite popular within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. Furthermore, they are used in businesses that are making unconventional items including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business that makes awkward or oversized long objects utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin like a conventional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or standard forklifts: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your machine through, will you be able to accurately know the best kind of machinery to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental choices available too in order to determine the best kind of machine to suit your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best choice.