Sideloaders have become a great option for a lot of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are used in businesses which are producing unconventional things including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business which produces awkward or oversized long things utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were made 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, since the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive inside a cabin similar to those utilized in traditional lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard forklifts comprise: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
You would just be able to precisely know the right type of machinery to finish your tasks, when you have fully evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you would be completing. There are some good rental alternatives available as well in order to determine the right type of equipment to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the right choice.