Even though sales volumes have usually been small, around 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machine within the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Sideloaders are rather common in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are used in businesses which are producing unconventional items including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business which produces oversized long or awkward objects uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed during 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 US Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. 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 early units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive in a cabin like those used in conventional forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you would be putting your machinery through, would you be able to precisely determine the right type of machine to finish your tasks. There are several good rental options available too in order to determine the right type of machinery to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best choice.