Sideloaders have become a great choice for lots of companies needing to perform handling jobs on unconventional cargo. Sales of these models are small however, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are quite common within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation businesses. In addition, they are used in businesses which are producing unusual objects like moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any business which makes oversized long or awkward items utilizes the side-loaders.
In the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially designed the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the United States Air Force. The first idea was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who produced the design. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the late 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early models were designed 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 lift trucks have front facing forks whilst the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator though will drive inside a cabin similar to those used in traditional lift trucks. The lifting, loading, and unloading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The load is typically transported lying on a metal or wooden deck. This helps to lessen stress, distortion and damage to the cargo. New 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 traditional lift trucks: enhanced visibility, safer operating conditions, and faster traveling speeds as well as the ability to use available space more effectively.
You would just be able to accurately know the best type of machine to finish your tasks, once you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of tasks you would be performing. There are several good rental alternatives available as well in order to determine the right kind of machine to suit all your requirements. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information also when trying to figure out the best alternative.