Baumann Sideloaders: The Ideal Solution for Handling Long Timber Packs in Australia’s Frame and Truss Industry

This piece was written and povided by FTMA Supporting Partner, Baumann Sideloaders

In Australia’s thriving timber framing and truss manufacturing sector, efficiency, safety, and precision are paramount. From crafting wooden trusses for residential homes to supplying structural timber for large-scale construction projects, businesses rely on equipment that can handle long, heavy, and often unwieldy packs of timber and lumber with ease.

Enter Baumann Sideloaders—specialized forklifts designed to transform the way timber framing companies manage their materials. With over 50 years of innovation, Baumann Sideloaders are proving to be the go-to solution for Australian businesses active in structural timber framing, offering unmatched stability, safety, and productivity.

Why Sideloaders for Timber and Lumber?

Traditional counterbalance forklifts, while versatile, often struggle with the unique challenges of handling long timber packs. Carrying long loads widthways across forks compromises stability, obstructs the operator’s view, and tempts operators to raise the load for Hawkins—potentially leading to tipping accidents, which account for a quarter of all lift truck-related deaths. Long loads, such as packs of sawn timber, laminated beams, or fabricated trusses, are particularly difficult to balance, especially when navigating tight aisles or uneven outdoor yards common in sawmills and truss manufacturing facilities.

Baumann Sideloaders, originally developed for the timber and lumber industry, address these challenges head-on. Unlike traditional forklifts, sideloaders carry loads lengthwise along the side of the machine, significantly reducing the overall width required for transport. This design allows operators to move long timber packs through narrow aisles, standard doorways, and congested yards with ease, maximizing storage density and operational efficiency. In Australia, where timber processing plants are often located on sloped or uneven terrain, Baumann’s patented auto-deck leveling system ensures the load remains horizontal, even on rough ground, enhancing safety and load security.

Baumann Sideloaders: Engineered for the Timber Industry

Baumann Sideloaders are synonymous with quality and innovation, a reputation earned through decades of specialization in long-load handling. In many timber-producing regions of Europe, “Baumann” is practically interchangeable with “sideloader.” Their forklifts, ranging from 3 to 50 tonnes in capacity, are tailored to meet the demands of the timber framing and truss manufacturing sector, offering features that directly address the needs of Australian businesses:

• • Enhanced Stability: Baumann Sideloaders distribute weight across a wide, rectangular stability area, unlike the triangular stability zone of counterbalance forklifts. This design, combined with chassis tilt and strategic counterweight placement, ensures exceptional stability when lifting heavy timber packs, even at heights up to 7 meters.
  • Superior Visibility and Comfort: The forward-facing operator cab, positioned on the left side, provides an elevated, unobstructed view of the load and surroundings. This is critical when maneuvering long packs of timber or trusses through busy yards or indoor storage areas. The ergonomic cabin design, refined through years of testing, enhances operator comfort and reduces fatigue during long shifts.
  • Auto-Deck Leveling: Uneven ground is a reality for many Australian timber facilities, particularly those in rural or mountainous regions. Baumann’s auto-deck leveling system automatically adjusts the load bed to remain horizontal, ensuring safe transport and preventing load shifts that could damage valuable timber or trusses.
  • Specialized Features for Trusses: Baumann Sideloaders offer unique features like independently movable forks, which are ideal for handling roof trusses that may not be perfectly horizontal. This capability ensures precise positioning and secure transport, reducing the risk of damage to delicate truss assemblies.
  • Electric Options for Sustainability: With Australia’s timber industry increasingly focused on sustainability, Baumann’s electric sideloaders, such as the EGX 80, offer zero-emission operation, high battery longevity, and lower maintenance costs. These models are tough enough for outdoor, high-volume applications, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious businesses.

Safety First: Reducing Risks in Timber Handling

Safety is a critical concern in the timber framing industry, where heavy loads and complex handling environments pose significant risks. Baumann Sideloaders incorporate advanced safety features to protect operators and materials alike. The SafeLoad Assistance system, for example, uses sensors to monitor forces on the axles and calculate the truck’s tipping point, providing operators with real-time feedback to prevent overloading. Additionally, the low center of gravity and sideways transport method reduce the risk of tipping, ensuring a safer working environment compared to traditional forklifts.

For Australian businesses, where workplace safety regulations are stringent, these features align with best practices, helping companies comply with Safe Work Australia guidelines while protecting their workforce and minimizing costly accidents.

Boosting Productivity in Frame and Truss Manufacturing

Time is money in the fast-paced world of timber framing and truss manufacturing. Baumann Sideloaders enhance productivity by enabling faster, more efficient handling of long timber packs. Their ability to navigate narrow aisles and tight spaces means less time spent manoeuvring and more time moving materials. The robust construction of models like the Baumann EGX series ensures reliability under high-cycle conditions, while the option for diesel or electric power allows businesses to choose the best fit for their operational needs.

For truss manufacturers, the precision of Baumann Sideloaders is a game-changer. Fabricated trusses, often custom-built for specific projects, require careful handling to avoid damage. The combination of adjustable forks, stable chassis tilt, and high-visibility operator positioning ensures that trusses are transported and stored with the utmost care, reducing waste and rework.

A Sustainable Choice for Australia’s Timber Industry

As the Australian timber industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, Baumann Sideloaders offer a path forward. Their electric models, which account for over 70% of Baumann’s current manufacturing capacity, deliver high performance with zero emissions, quieter operation, and lower running costs. At their factory in Cavaion, Italy, Baumann is also investing in sustainability, incorporating solar and wind energy and converting lost heat into energy for production facilities. For Australian businesses aiming to meet sustainability goals, Baumann’s electric sideloaders provide a practical, cost-effective solution without compromising on power or durability.

Why Baumann for Australian Timber Businesses?

For Australian Frame and Truss Association members, Baumann Sideloaders represent a strategic investment in safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Their proven track record in the timber industry, coupled with innovative features like auto-deck leveling, SafeLoad Assistance, and electric power options, makes them ideally suited to the unique demands of handling long timber packs and trusses. Whether operating in a high-density storage facility, a rural sawmill, or a bustling truss manufacturing plant, Baumann Sideloaders deliver the reliability and precision that Australian businesses need to stay competitive.

To learn more about how Baumann Sideloaders can enhance your operations, contact your local Baumann dealer or visit www.baumann-sideloaders.com.au. With a global network of 106 dealers across 76 countries, Baumann’s award-winning support and service ensure that your investment delivers long-term value.