Even though sales volumes have normally been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are used in industries which are making unusual objects like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any industry that makes awkward or oversized long things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial application 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 made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 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 use in timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the equipment. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only when you evaluate your work setting and kinds of applications you will be putting your machinery through, will you be able to accurately know the right type of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few good rental choices available as well in order to determine the best kind of machine to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information also when trying to know the right choice.