Even though sales volumes have usually been small, around 1% to 5% of the worldwide forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of machinery in the material handling industry for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple way.
Normally, side-loaders are used within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Furthermore, they are utilized within industries that are making unusual items including windmill arms and moldings. Practically any industry that produces oversized long or awkward things uses the side-loaders.
Side-loaders were originally designed in the beginning of the 1950s by Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company. These models were made in response to a request from the United States Air Force. The initial idea was patented for commercial application but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning units were designed by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the machine's use within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a little from counterbalance, forward-traveling lift trucks in that they have their forks situated on the side of the machine. The operator drives the machinery sitting inside a cabin similar to a conventional forklift. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast located at the driver's right-hand side. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. Recent innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a large range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or standard forklifts: safer operating conditions, enhanced visibility, and the ability to use available space more efficiently along with faster traveling speeds.
Only when you assess your work environment and kinds of applications you will be putting your machinery through, would you be able to accurately know the best kind of machine to finish your tasks. There are some good rental options available as well in order to know the right kind of machine to meet your requirements. Doing some research on the World Wide Web or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the best choice.