Sideloaders have become a great choice for many companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Normally, side-loaders are used within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are used within businesses which are making unusual objects like for example windmill arms and moldings. Basically any business which produces oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin like those utilized in standard forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks comprise: improved visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely know the right type of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few good rental alternatives available as well in order to determine the best type of machine to suit your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.