Sideloaders have become a terrific option for lots of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Additionally, they are utilized in businesses which are making unconventional items including windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 original idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin like those used in standard lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional forklifts include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You would only be able to precisely know the right kind of equipment to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and types of tasks you would be completing. There are some good rental choices available too in order to determine the best kind of equipment to suit all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the right alternative.