Even if sales volumes have typically been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machinery within the material handling business for handling unusual loads in a simple manner.
Commonly, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Additionally, they are utilized within industries that are producing unconventional objects like for example windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business that produces awkward or oversized long things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial application 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 put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the conventional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive inside a cabin like those utilized in standard lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or conventional forklifts: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when 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 type of equipment to finish your tasks. There are a few great rental choices available too in order to determine the best type of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a respectable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to know the right option.