Even if sales volumes have usually been small, about 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine in the material handling business for dealing with unconventional loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. Furthermore, they are utilized within businesses that are making unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the start 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 concept was patented for commercial use 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 made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning models were made 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 bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a standard lift truck. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New 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 consist of: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, will you be able to precisely know the right kind of machinery to finish your tasks. There are several great rental options available as well in order to determine the right kind of equipment to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right choice.