Even though sales volumes have normally been small, about 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery within the material handling business for dealing with unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Usually, side-loaders are utilized within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. In addition, they are utilized in businesses which are making unconventional items like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which produces oversized long or awkward objects uses the side-loaders.
In the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced 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 early models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive in a cabin similar to those used in standard forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is usually 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 large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
You will just be able to accurately know the best kind of equipment to finish your tasks, when you have fully evaluated the work environment and kinds of tasks you would be completing. There are a few great rental options available too in order to know the right kind of machinery to meet all your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.