Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for lots of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Additionally, they are used in industries which are producing unconventional things like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that produces awkward or oversized long objects uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial use 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 made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, since the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin like those utilized in conventional forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts comprise: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to accurately know the right type of machinery to complete your tasks. There are several great rental choices available too in order to know the best type of machine to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to figure out the right choice.