Sideloaders have become a great alternative for lots of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite popular in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are used within industries which are making unconventional items including moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that produces oversized long or awkward items utilizes 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Side-loaders were originally made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 United States Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin like those utilized in conventional lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting 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 lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard forklifts comprise: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely know the right type of machine to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental alternatives available as well in order to know the right type of machinery to meet all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right alternative.