Even if sales volumes have normally been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery within the material handling business for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Commonly, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Moreover, they are utilized within businesses which are producing unusual items including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry which produces oversized long or awkward items uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally made in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company.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 initial idea was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in the year 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 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 utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin similar to a conventional forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional forklifts consist of: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and kinds of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely determine the right type of machinery to finish your tasks. There are some great rental alternatives available as well in order to know the right kind of equipment to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the best choice.