Sideloaders have become a great choice for many companies needing to perform handling tasks on unusual loads. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the global forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather popular in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. Furthermore, they are used within businesses which are making unusual objects like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business that makes awkward or oversized long objects uses the side-loaders.
In the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially designed the sideloader forklift. These early models were requested from the United States Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over during 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 in timber yards.
The side-loader is a bit different from the counterbalanced forklift, as 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 standard forklifts. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are performed by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is usually transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard lift trucks: safer operating conditions, improved visibility, and the ability to use available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you would be putting your equipment through, will you be able to precisely determine the right kind of machine to complete your tasks. There are a few great rental options available as well in order to determine the right kind of machinery to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research on the Internet or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to know the right option.