Even though sales volumes have normally been small, about 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling business for handling unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite common in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, construction and aviation industries. Furthermore, they are used in businesses which are making unusual things including moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially designed in the beginning 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 application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 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 late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early models were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally 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 incorporated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
Only when you evaluate your work environment and types of applications you will be putting your machine through, would you be able to precisely determine the best kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to know the best kind of machinery to accomplish all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to know the best choice.