How Baumann is reshaping materials handling for the steel industry
In an industry where the safe and efficient handling of long, heavy loads is non-negotiable, Baumann is setting a new standard. A global leader in sideloader technology, Baumann has been active in Australia since 1975, and has set up a direct presence in 2023 with Baumann Sideloaders Australia Pty Ltd.
Led by industry veteran Craig Armstrong-Fray, Baumann’s local operation is already making waves, particularly within the steel supply chain. “Steel is one of our core markets,” said Armstrong-Fray. “Most of our customers are involved in structural steel, roll-formed steel, bar, or tube. Any long product—that’s where we pride ourselves.”
Sideloaders are purpose-built for long loads that are difficult and dangerous to manage with conventional forklifts. Rather than lifting from the front, Baumann’s machines lift and carry materials on a deck alongside the operator cab, providing far better stability and visibility.
As Craig put it, “If you were going to carry a ladder, you wouldn’t do it across your chest—you’d carry it over your shoulder. That’s how a sideloader works. It’s safer, more controlled, and specifically designed for the job.”
Baumann’s machines are engineered to handle everything from aluminium to roof trusses, I-beams, plates, tubes, re-bar and even coils. The sideloaders are fully configurable, with deck barriers and specialist cradles for long products, and offer capacities from 3 to 50 tonnes. The range includes compact, manoeuvrable electrics as well as heavy-duty diesel models suitable for the most arduous applications.
Safer, smarter, and more sustainable
One of Baumann’s latest innovations—the EGX X-Plus—is changing the game. This advanced sideloader features a mast that extends further from the chassis, allowing operators to pick up loads without pulling up as close.
“The X-Plus gives drivers more comfort space,” explained Armstrong-Fray. “They can reach out further to lift the load onto the deck, which makes a big difference, especially for less experienced operators.”
The 120-volt EGX range is also equipped with extended outreach, lead acid or lithium-ion batteries and highly efficient new motors featuring vector control technology. The combination of higher voltage and vector control provides improved motor responsiveness, resulting in smoother acceleration and deceleration, increased battery longevity and more precise load handling.
Safety is at the heart of Baumann’s technology roadmap. A standout feature is the new SafeLoad Assistance system, which uses onboard sensors to measure the actual forces applied to the chassis, not just the weight. It warns the operator (both visually and audibly) if stability thresholds are exceeded and can even shut down the machine to prevent tipping.
“It’s a very challenging piece of engineering,” said Armstrong-Fray. “But it dramatically improves safety by accounting for real-world variables like uneven loading or lifting beyond the nominal capacity.”
This innovation is particularly important in the steel industry, where load configurations and ground conditions often fluctuate.
The electric advantage
Perhaps the most significant shift in Baumann’s technology is its move to electric power.
“Just a few years ago, 80% of our machines were diesel. Now it’s the other way around,” Armstrong-Fray noted. “Originally customers were interested in electric because of the sustainability benefits, but we’ve worked hard to bring the price point down. Now, electric is the best machine for the job in most cases.”
For Australian steel companies, the switch to electric sideloaders is already delivering tangible results. In one recent project, Baumann replaced a major steel manufacturer’s LPG-powered fleet with electric machines. The difference was stark.
“Their annual gas bill was in the six figures. With electric, it’s a fraction of that,” Armstrong-Fray said. “The cost to charge a machine for 11 hours is around $11—about $1 per hour—compared to $50 or $60 per hour for LPG. That’s a massive operational saving, plus they’re quieter and produce zero emissions.”
The durability of Baumann’s machines is another key selling point. Built to operate in tough environments like steelworks and foundries, the sideloaders feature reinforced decks, oversized axles, protective load posts, and heat shields to withstand extreme temperatures. Baumann’s CAN Bus system is shielded and protected for extreme conditions, and working in conjunction with heavy-duty hydraulic and mechanical controls, the latest Baumanns can better cope with dust, heat, and heavy-duty cycles.
Tailored for the task
A defining strength of Baumann is its unwavering focus on sideloaders. “We haven’t diluted our efforts by expanding into other product categories,” said Armstrong-Fray. “We’ve spent decades perfecting this machine, and that commitment shows.”
It also makes Baumann highly flexible when it comes to meeting specific customer needs. “We’re small enough to customise but big enough to deliver. If a company comes to us with a particular requirement, we can design and build modifications for their application.”
The local team in Melbourne is already working closely with a number of major players across the steel and logistics sectors. Baumann’s longstanding global reputation for innovation, service and support is helping them reinvigorate these relationships in the Australian market.
Built for the steel supply chain
Whether it’s handling I-beams, pipes, sheet metal, or steel coils, Baumann sideloaders offer a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional materials handling equipment. Their compact size allows for better space utilisation in warehouses and yards. The auto-deck levelling system ensures load stability even on uneven ground. And with electric power, the machines are quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to run.
“With Baumann, steel suppliers can reduce damage, lower operational costs, and improve safety, all without compromising performance,” said Armstrong-Fray.
As demand for long products continues to rise, and steel businesses look for smarter, more sustainable ways to operate, Baumann is proving to be the right partner at the right time.
“We’ve got the product, the technology, and now the local presence to back it up,” said Armstrong-Fray. “We’re here to help the steel industry move forward—sideways.”
