Even if sales volumes have typically been small, around 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of equipment within the material handling business for dealing with unconventional loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are utilized in businesses which are making unconventional items like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models 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 little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin like those used in standard lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or standard forklifts: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You would just be able to precisely determine the best type of equipment to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you will be performing. There are some good rental options available too in order to know the right kind of machinery to suit 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 figure out the right option.