Even if sales volumes have normally been small, about 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of equipment within the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are used in businesses which are producing unconventional objects like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry that makes awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were designed in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 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 forklifts in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a conventional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You will just be able to accurately determine the best type of equipment to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and types of tasks you would be performing. There are several great rental alternatives available too in order to determine the best kind of machinery to meet your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best option.