Even though sales volumes have typically been small, around 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machine in the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Commonly, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are utilized within industries which are making unconventional objects like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces awkward or oversized long items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin similar to a standard forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks include: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
Only once you assess your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to accurately determine the best kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are several great rental choices available too in order to determine the best type of equipment to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.