Even if sales volumes have usually been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of equipment within the material handling business for handling unconventional loads in a simple way.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. In addition, they are utilized within industries which are making unconventional items like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry which makes awkward or oversized long items utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in the start 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 concept was patented for commercial utilization 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 produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machinery sitting in a cabin similar to a standard lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent 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 conventional lift trucks: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you would be putting your machinery through, will you be able to precisely determine the right kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental alternatives available too in order to know the best type of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to know the best alternative.