Even though sales volumes have usually been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of equipment in the material handling business for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Commonly, side-loaders are utilized in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Additionally, they are used in industries that are making unconventional objects like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially designed the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In 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 equipment's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin like a conventional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more effectively.
You would only be able to precisely determine the best kind of equipment to complete your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work setting and types of jobs you will be performing. There are some good rental choices available too in order to determine the best type of machinery to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to know the best alternative.