Even though sales volumes have typically been small, around 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machine within the material handling industry for handling unusual loads in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite common within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. In addition, they are used in businesses which are making unconventional things including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In 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 use within timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin similar to those used in traditional forklifts. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or traditional forklifts: improved visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You will just be able to precisely know the best kind of machinery to complete your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of jobs you would be completing. There are a few great rental options available too in order to determine the best type of machinery to suit 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 alternative.