Even if sales volumes have usually been small, about 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Usually, side-loaders are used within the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. Moreover, they are used within businesses which are making unconventional things including moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any industry that produces awkward or oversized long objects utilizes the side-loaders.
In the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed 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. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models were designed 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, as the traditional forward-traveling lift trucks have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin like those utilized in traditional lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
You would just be able to accurately know the right type of machine to complete your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work setting and kinds of jobs you would be performing. There are several great rental options available as well in order to determine the best type of equipment to meet your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best option.