Even if sales volumes have usually been small, roughly 1% to 5% of the global forklift market; side-loaders have become the dominant choice of equipment within the material handling industry for dealing with unusual cargo in a simple manner.
Sideloaders are quite common in the aluminum, timber, steel, glass, aviation and construction industries. Additionally, they are used within businesses that are producing unusual items like moldings, and windmill arms. Practically any business which makes awkward or oversized long items uses the side-loaders.
During the start of the 1950's, Henry Le Grande Lull from the Lull Manufacturing Company initially made the sideloader lift truck. These early units were requested from the US Air Force. The first concept was patented for commercial use but it was not made until Lull Manufacturing was taken over by the Baker Raulang Company during 1959. It was Baker Raulang who made the design. Afterward, the name was changed to Baker Traveloader. In the latter part of the 1950s, the side-loaders were introduced to Europe. The early units were made by Italian manufacturer Fiora and the afterwards B-P Battioni e Pagani who pioneered the equipment's utilization within timber yards.
Side-loaders differ a bit from forward traveling, counterbalance lift trucks in that they have their forks located on the side of the machine. The operator drives the equipment sitting inside a cabin like a traditional lift truck. The unloading, lifting and loading functions are done by the mast situated at the right-hand side of the driver. The cargo is typically transported lying on a wooden or metal deck. This helps to decrease stress, distortion and damage to the load. New innovations to the side-loader design have integrated a huge variety of lifting accessories being developed.
The use of side-loaders as opposed to the reach-stackers or traditional lift trucks: better visibility, safer operating conditions, and the ability to use available space more effectively along with faster traveling speeds.
You would just be able to accurately determine the right type of machine to complete your tasks, when you have completely evaluated the work environment and kinds of jobs you will be performing. There are a few good rental alternatives available as well in order to know the best kind of machinery to meet your needs. Doing some research online or talking to a reputable dealer is one more great way to get some information also when trying to know the best option.