Even if sales volumes have normally been small, around 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for handling unusual loads in a simple way.
Sideloaders are rather popular within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are used in businesses which are producing unusual items like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces awkward or oversized long things uses the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the United States Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in the year 1959. 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 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 within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin similar to a standard forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks include: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
You would only be able to accurately know the best type of machine to finish your tasks, once you have fully assessed the work environment and types of tasks you would be performing. There are some great rental choices available too in order to determine the right kind of equipment to meet all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best choice.