Even if sales volumes have usually been small, around 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine in the material handling business for handling unconventional loads in a simple way.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are utilized in businesses that are producing unconventional objects including windmill arms and moldings. Basically any business that produces oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning 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 concept was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin similar to those utilized in standard lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard forklifts: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
You will just be able to accurately determine the right kind of equipment to complete your tasks, once you have fully assessed the work setting and kinds of tasks you would be completing. There are a few good rental choices available too in order to determine the right type of equipment to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is one more good way to get some information also when trying to know the right choice.