Even though sales volumes have usually been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machine in the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized within the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are used within industries which are producing unusual items like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry that produces awkward or oversized long objects uses 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 designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial concept was patented for commercial use 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. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The beginning units were made 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 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 will drive inside a cabin similar to those utilized in standard forklifts. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen distortion, stress and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or conventional forklifts: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more effectively in addition to faster traveling speeds.
Only once you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely know the right kind of equipment to finish your tasks. There are several good rental options available too in order to determine the best kind of machinery to meet your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best choice.