Even if sales volumes have normally been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of equipment in the material handling business for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Commonly, side-loaders are utilized in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Furthermore, they are utilized within businesses which are making unusual objects like for example windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business which makes awkward or oversized long things utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, 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 equipment's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, since the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive in a cabin similar to those utilized in conventional lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or standard lift trucks comprise: 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 accurately determine the best type of machine to complete your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of tasks you will be completing. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to determine the right type of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to figure out the right alternative.