Even though sales volumes have usually been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the international forklift market; side-loaders have become the paramount choice of equipment within the material handling business for handling unusual loads in a simple manner.
Usually, side-loaders are used in the timber, aluminum, glass, steel, aviation and construction businesses. In addition, they are used in businesses which are making unusual things like windmill arms and moldings. Practically any business that makes awkward or oversized long objects utilizes the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed during 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 first concept was patented for commercial utilization but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization in timber yards.
Side-loaders vary a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance forklifts in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machinery. The operator drives the machine sitting in a cabin similar to a traditional lift truck. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is normally transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the load. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
A few of the advantages of using side-loaders over reach-stackers or conventional forklifts comprise: safer operating conditions, better visibility, and the ability to utilize available space more efficiently as well as faster traveling speeds.
You would just be able to precisely know the right kind of machinery to complete your tasks, when you have fully assessed the work setting and kinds of tasks you will be completing. There are some great rental choices available as well in order to determine the best type of machinery to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right option.