Even if sales volumes have typically been small, about 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of machine within the material handling industry for handling unconventional cargo in a simple manner.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, aviation and construction businesses. Moreover, they are used in industries which are making unusual items like windmill arms and moldings. Basically any industry which makes oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were initially made during the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were designed in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The original idea was patented for commercial use 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 made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The early units 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, since the traditional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin like those used in traditional lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
Some of the benefits of utilizing side-loaders over reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks include: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively as well as faster traveling speeds.
You would only be able to precisely determine the best kind of machinery to finish your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of tasks you will be completing. There are some great rental options available too in order to know the best type of equipment to suit your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a respectable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the best option.