Sideloaders have become a great alternative for many companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are utilized in businesses which are producing unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that makes oversized long or awkward objects utilizes the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the US Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over in 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 beginning models were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, because the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however would drive in a cabin similar to those utilized in traditional lift trucks. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent 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 traditional forklifts: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you would be putting your machine through, will you be able to accurately determine the right kind of machinery to finish your tasks. There are some good rental choices available too in order to know the right type of machinery to suit all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right choice.