Even though sales volumes have typically been small, about 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery in the material handling industry for handling unconventional loads in a simple way.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation industries. In addition, they are utilized in businesses that are making unconventional items including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which produces awkward or oversized long items uses the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the US Air Force. The initial idea 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. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were designed 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 counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machinery sitting in a cabin like a traditional forklift. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to decrease 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 conventional forklifts comprise: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
Only when you assess your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your machinery through, will you be able to precisely know the right kind of equipment to finish your tasks. There are some good rental choices available too in order to know the best type of equipment to meet your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best choice.