Sideloaders have become a terrific option for a lot of businesses needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these units are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite common in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are used within businesses that are making unusual items like for example moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry which produces awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use in timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a bit from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting in a cabin like a standard lift truck. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks consist of: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You will just be able to precisely know the best type of equipment to finish your tasks, when you have fully evaluated the work setting and types of jobs you will be completing. There are a few great rental options available too in order to know the best type of equipment to suit all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to know the right alternative.