Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual loads. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Normally, side-loaders are used within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used within businesses that are producing unconventional items like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry that produces oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
In the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally designed the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine'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 while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive inside a cabin similar to those used in traditional lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard forklifts include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
Only once you assess your work setting and types of applications you will be putting your machinery through, will you be able to accurately determine the best type of equipment to finish your tasks. There are several good rental choices available as well in order to know the best kind of equipment to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the right alternative.