Even though sales volumes have usually been small, approximately 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of equipment in the material handling business for handling unconventional cargo in a simple way.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are utilized within businesses that are producing unconventional objects like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things utilizes the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial application but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models 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, because the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though would drive in a cabin like those used in standard lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is normally transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders instead of the reach-stackers or conventional forklifts: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more efficiently.
You would only be able to precisely know the right kind of machine to complete your tasks, when you have completely assessed the work setting and kinds of tasks you will be performing. There are a few good rental choices available as well in order to know the best kind of machinery to suit all your requirements. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.