Sideloaders have become a terrific option for a lot of companies 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 timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are used in businesses which are producing unconventional objects like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which makes awkward or oversized long things uses the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally designed the sideloader lift truck. These early units were requested from the US Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 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 units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin similar to those used in standard forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional forklifts consist of: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to accurately know the right kind of machinery to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to know the best kind of equipment to meet your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best alternative.