Even though sales volumes have typically been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery in the material handling business for handling unconventional loads in a simple way.
Commonly, side-loaders are utilized in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are used within businesses which are making unconventional items like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes awkward or oversized long objects uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the start 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 first idea was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 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 machine's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin like a standard forklift. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts consist of: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
Only once you assess your work setting and types of applications you would be putting your machine through, would you be able to precisely know the right type of machinery to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental options available too in order to determine the best type of equipment to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right choice.