Forklifts, Pallet Stackers, Pallet Jacks, Walk Behind, Lift Trucks

A pallet stacker is the equipment dedicated to picking up and stacking empty pallets. Most pallets are 48 inches square and weight anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds, so asking employees to manually lift and stack these items is physically demanding and may not allow a stack of more than 2-3 high. With a pallet stacker, you can consolidate the empty pallets into columns up to twelve feet high. Even full pallets can be stacked two high, so long as the weight doesn't exceed 3300 pounds for the heavy duty stackers.

A pallet stacker can be either manual drive or electric drive, and again, the choice you make will depend on the use you plan to make of the equipment. If the stacker will only be used occasionally, and the warehouse floor is smooth, one employee will probably be able to handle a load of up to 2000 pounds. If any of the variables is increased, you should probably purchase a pallet stacker with electric drive.

Electric pallet stackers are more expensive to purchase, but have added features such as forward and reverse gear, variable speeds and safety brakes.

Three types of stabilization designs are available on pallet stackers. Each one has both advantages and disadvantages in a particular working situation. The first design is called a fork over design. The forks are placed directly over the stabilization legs. This design is less expensive and does not require as much room to operate. The disadvantage of the fork over unit is that you can't lift and move a closed bottom pallet directly from the floor. The fork over type does work well when unloading a truck and the disadvantages can be overcome by selecting open bottom pallets or by using blocks.

The second type of stabilization leg design for a pallet stacker is the straddle leg stacker. The forks lower completely to floor level and the stabilization legs rest outside the forks. This design means that pallets can be picked up directly from the floor. The disadvantages are that the straddle leg stacker requires more room, so doesn't do well in narrow aisles and it is also more expensive to purchase.

The third type of pallet stacker is the counterbalance unit. With this type of stacker there are no stabilization legs to get in the way. The stacker relies on weight at the back of the unit to balance the load weight. This type of pallet stacker is relatively inexpensive and can navigate confined spaces because there are no stabilization legs to get in the way, but it has the disadvantage of lessened height and weight capacities.

Except in rare circumstances, it is recommended that you choose a new pallet stacker rather than a used one. A used one might be acceptable if you were personally familiar with the use that had been made of the vehicle and whether regular maintenance schedules had been followed. Beyond that, the factors of efficiency, employee safety, convenience, and cost all play a role in determining which style and size of stacker is selected.

Fully Electric Forkover Pallet Stacker Lift Truck Forklifts:

Electric drive forklift pallet stackers will be more expensive to purchase and operate than manual drive models but are better suited to high duty use, use in parking lots, and where the warehouse employees can't muscle the weight around. These models will all feature forward/reverse variable speeds and safety brakes.
Stabilization Legs
Forkover forklifts have the forks lower right on top of the stabilization legs. The advantages of this design are that it is less expensive, takes up less space and can maneuver in tight aisles. The disadvantage is since the forks are directly over the stabilization legs, you cannot pick up a closed bottom pallet directly from the floor; however, this is still an excellent choice for unloading trucks and this disadvantage can be overcome with either open bottom pallets/skids or blocks.

XP1229 2640lbs / 111"