Reasons Why You Should Use a Sideloader

A sideloader (also known as a sidelifter/self-loading trailer) is a specialised vehicle that allows for a cost-effective means of loading, transporting and unloading cargo. The ability to lift containers whilst working in the narrowest of aisles makes it possible for you to create new business and generate revenue in a market where container handling is constantly evolving.

Sideloaders can handle shipping containers and other cargo with relative ease and transfer them to trucks, trains, or directly on the ground level where they can be packed and unpacked efficiently. When mounted on a truck or trailer, a sideloader can operate with little to no manpower and without needing any special equipment. This helps minimize waiting time while streamlining operations altogether, two important factors that contribute to a competitive service.

In this article, we’ll be going over the basic applications of sideloaders and the benefits of having one in your fleet of equipment.

Common usage applications of a sideloader

As the name suggests, a sideloader consists of two side-lifting cranes that are mounted onto a trailer or truck. Sideloaders are commonly used in four different operations namely: lifting cargo from/to ground level, transferring cargo from/to another chassis, stacking containers and road transport. It takes roughly 2-4 minutes for a sideloader to perform these operations which makes it quick and efficient in lifting containers and such.

• Ground-level handling – a sideloader can load/unload containers, cargo, and other heavy goods to and from the ground. Once the cargo has been handled, the sideloader can continue to the next job and the goods can be packed safely and efficiently.
  

• Transfer Handling – a sideloader can transfer cargo to and from a container from a truck, trailer, or rail wagon. This means the sideloader can also function as mobile lifting equipment for loading/unloading other trailers or wagons. A sideloader can also serve as an intermodal tool as well which further adds to its versatility.

• Container Transport – a sideloader allows for safe lifting and transportation of a container whilst doing so in accordance with all regulations. No other equipment is capable of performing both functions with the performance and cost-efficiency that a sideloader can deliver.

• Stacking Handling – a sideloader is well-equipped to handle the needs of container stacking, thus enabling operators to put a container on top of another container with ease. By double-stacking containers, the customer can save valuable space. Containers stacked on top of each other also enable higher cargo security.

Benefits of using a sideloader

Sideloaders do more than just load and unload containers as there are plenty of advantages to using these machines for your daily operations. Here are a couple of benefits when using a sideloader:

1. Competitive edge

A sideloader enables you to perform certain tasks in a safe and efficient manner. Such machines allow for a new form of service that most trucks and trailers cannot provide. You can load/unload cargo anytime, anytime without having to use third-party equipment and without creating a disturbance to the customers. This gives a competitive advantage in terms of delivering a seamless and value-oriented service.

2. Quick turnaround

A sideloader makes it easy to load and unload containers swiftly. This ensures a quick turnaround which is crucial for customer satisfaction. All it takes is  2-4 minutes for full operation time, and the operator can quickly proceed to the next task. This drastically reduces waiting time whilst promoting container flow with greater efficiency.

3. Ground transport

One of the main benefits of using sideloaders is ground transport. The container can be safely placed on the ground so that the end-user is able to pack/unpack it at their own convenience. Even if there are no loading docks, a sideloader can still enable safe and efficient packing/unpacking. In addition to that, a shipping container placed on the ground can transition to a flexible, temporary storage room if the need arises.

4. Safer workplace

Sideloaders promote a safer workplace by handling cargo and containers with full control and precision. By providing levelled 2+2 point lifting, a sideloader keeps the cargo safe while enabling you to handle hazardous, fragile or high-value goods with greater confidence. As both the lifting operation and transport are handled by a single operator, the delivery process is as safe as it can be.

5. Versatile

When it comes to versatile equipment, a sideloader is no exception. A sideloader is capable of lifting many types of cargo, thus making it an economical alternative to specialized lifting cranes and systems. The high lifting capacity of a sideloader can rival that of a 100-120 tonne-m crane which speaks to the level of performance it can provide. Low ground pressure makes the sideloader more suitable for rugged terrain and a low operation height makes it less vulnerable to bad weather. Transport companies who use sideloaders become increasingly popular amongst their customers. In the case of an economic downfall, sideloaders are usually the last units to stand still which means they are always in demand.