Even if sales volumes have normally been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling business for handling unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Usually, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. Moreover, they are utilized in industries which are making unusual things like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business which makes awkward or oversized long things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were designed in response to a request from the US Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in the year 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 beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin like a standard forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent 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 conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machine through, will you be able to precisely determine the right type of equipment to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental alternatives available too in order to know the right type of machine to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best choice.