Sideloaders have become a terrific option for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite common within the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are utilized within businesses that are making unconventional items including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that makes awkward or oversized long objects utilizes the side-loaders.
In the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's use in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin like a traditional forklift. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
You would only be able to accurately know the right type of machine to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you would be completing. There are some great rental choices available as well in order to know the best type of machine to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the right option.