Even if sales volumes have usually been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for handling unusual loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used in businesses which are producing unconventional objects including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use 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. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machinery sitting in a cabin like a standard forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to decrease distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks comprise: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, will you be able to accurately determine the right kind of equipment to complete your tasks. There are several great rental options available as well in order to determine the best kind of equipment to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is one more good way to get some information also when trying to know the best option.