Sideloaders have become a great choice for many businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unusual cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite common in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Additionally, they are utilized within businesses which are producing unusual items like for example windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry which makes awkward or oversized long things 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 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 produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin like a traditional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done 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 decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated 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 effectively as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your machine through, would you be able to precisely determine the right kind of machinery to finish your tasks. There are several good rental options available as well in order to determine the right type of machinery to meet your needs. 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 know the best option.