Sideloaders have become a great alternative for many companies needing to perform handling tasks on unconventional loads. Sales of these units are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Normally, side-loaders are utilized in the aluminum, timber, glass, steel, construction and aviation businesses. Moreover, they are utilized within businesses that are making unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business which makes oversized long or awkward things utilizes 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 designed in response to a request from the US Air Force. The original concept was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 1959 by the Baker Raulang Company. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In 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 utilization 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 similar to those used in conventional lift trucks. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are performed by the mast located at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce distortion, stress and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or traditional forklifts: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to utilize available space more efficiently.
You would just be able to precisely determine the best kind of machinery to finish your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of tasks you would be performing. There are several great rental options available as well in order to determine the best kind of machine to meet all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a respectable dealer is another good way to get some information also when trying to figure out the right option.