Sideloaders have become a terrific choice for lots of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual loads. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Commonly, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are used in industries which are making unusual things including windmill arms and moldings. Basically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made in 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 United States Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 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 utilization within timber yards.
The side-loader is a little 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 though will drive in a cabin like those utilized in conventional forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts include: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
You would just be able to precisely know the right type of machine to finish your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of jobs you would be completing. There are some great rental choices available as well in order to know the best type of equipment to suit all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best option.