Sideloaders have become a terrific alternative for many companies needing to perform handling jobs on unusual cargo. Sales of these models are small though, taking up 1% to 5% of the international forklift market.
Sideloaders are rather common within the timber, aluminum, steel, glass, construction and aviation industries. Moreover, they are used within businesses which are producing unusual items including moldings, and windmill arms. Basically any industry that makes oversized long or awkward items utilizes the side-loaders.
During the beginning of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company originally made the sideloader forklift. These early units were requested from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial use but it was not developed until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company in 1959. It was Baker Raulang who put the design into production. Later, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. During the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were launched in Europe. The beginning models were designed 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, since the conventional forward-traveling forklifts have front facing forks while the side-loader has side facing forks. The operator however will drive inside a cabin like those utilized in traditional forklifts. The loading, unloading and lifting functions are done by the mast situated at the driver's right-hand side. The load is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to reduce stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have incorporated a huge range of lifting accessories being developed.
The utilization of side-loaders rather than the reach-stackers or conventional lift trucks: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to utilize available space more effectively as well as faster traveling speeds.
Only once 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 type of machinery to complete your tasks. There are several good rental alternatives available as well in order to know the right type of equipment to accomplish all your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is another great way to get some information as well when trying to figure out the right alternative.