Even if sales volumes have normally been small, around 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machine in the material handling business for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are rather common within the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Moreover, they are used in industries that are producing unconventional items like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, since the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin similar to those utilized in conventional forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You would just be able to precisely know the best type of equipment to finish your tasks, once you have fully assessed the work environment and types of jobs you will be completing. There are some good rental options available too in order to know the best type of machinery to suit 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 alternative.