Even if sales volumes have normally been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling business for handling unusual cargo in a simple way.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. Furthermore, they are used in businesses that are making unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that produces oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary 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 inside a cabin like a standard lift truck. 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 wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard lift trucks: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely know the right type of machine to finish your tasks. There are several good rental choices available as well in order to know the right type of machinery to suit all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the right option.