Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for lots of businesses needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather common in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Additionally, they are used within businesses which are making unusual items like for instance moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business that 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 designed the sideloader lift truck. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial utilization 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 produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 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 equipment's use within timber yards.
The side-loader is a little different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin similar to those used in traditional lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You will only be able to accurately determine the best kind of machinery to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and types of jobs you would be completing. There are some good rental options available too in order to know the best kind of machine to accomplish your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.