Even though sales volumes have normally been small, about 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine in the material handling business for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite common in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation industries. Moreover, they are used in industries which are making unusual things like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the start of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These units were made in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in the year 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as the traditional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive in a cabin like those used in conventional forklifts. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently in addition to faster traveling speeds.
You will only be able to precisely determine the right type of machine to finish your tasks, when you have completely assessed the work setting and kinds of jobs you will be completing. There are some great rental alternatives available as well in order to know the right kind of machinery to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information as well when trying to know the best alternative.