Even though sales volumes have normally been small, about 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine in the material handling industry for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple way.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Moreover, they are utilized within industries that are making unconventional things like moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that produces oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally designed the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. 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 designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
Only once you assess your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely determine the right type of machine to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental alternatives available too in order to know the right type of equipment to meet your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right alternative.