Even though sales volumes have typically been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for dealing with unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Sideloaders are rather common within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used in industries which are producing unusual objects like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business that produces awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
In the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally designed the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in the year 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 units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use 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 however would drive in a cabin like those used in conventional 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 normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You will only be able to accurately know the best kind of equipment to finish your tasks, once you have completely assessed the work setting and kinds of jobs you will be completing. There are several good rental alternatives available as well in order to determine the best kind of machinery to meet your needs. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the right alternative.