Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual cargo. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite common within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used within businesses which are producing unusual objects like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that produces oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 during the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning units 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 differ a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin similar to a conventional lift truck. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks include: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You would just be able to accurately determine the right kind of machinery to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of tasks you will be completing. There are some good rental options available as well in order to determine the best kind of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the right alternative.