Sideloaders have become a great alternative for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are utilized within industries which are producing unusual things like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry that produces oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the traditional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive inside a cabin like those used in conventional forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done 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 huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more effectively.
Only once you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machinery through, will you be able to precisely know the right kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are several good rental choices available too in order to determine the right kind of equipment to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best alternative.