Pallet Trucks

An Electric Pallet Stacker Is Worth Its Weight In Gold
By Karl Malden

Electric pallet stackers are electric motor driven pallet stackers (also called forklifts) designed to pick up, deliver and consolidate pallets into columns.

Since the average empty pallet weights approx. 20 to 40 kilograms and has a size of 100 x 122 cm, it is easy to understand how demanding and hazardous would be to lift and stack even empty pallets manually.

And we didn't even mention loaded pallets. Managing fully loaded pallets is simply not possible without some kind of mechanized assistance. As long as the total weight doesn't exceed 1500 kilograms, an electric pallet stacker is able to deliver and stack up loaded pallets. In order to safely exceed this weight limit, heavy-duty stackers are needed.

The main difference between a manually driven and an electric pallet stacker is the way they transport pallets from one place to another. Both types of stackers use an electro-hydraulic system for lifting and a manual relief-valve mechanism for lowering loads, but non-electric pallet stackers are being propelled or dragged by muscle power. An average warehouse employee can move roughly a short ton without difficulty, provided the warehouse floor is smooth enough and the operator doesn't need to handle more than 10 pallets/day. Otherwise you should consider an electric-motor driven pallet stacker.

Besides electric drive, electric pallet stackers come with several additional features such as safety brakes or variable-speed forward/reverse gear mechanism. One of the advantage of electric power stackers over other types of self-propelled forklift trucks is that they don't emit any waste gas for disposal, so among forklifts, they stand as an ideal choice for indoor use. The slightly higher initial cost of self-propelled power stackes would be more than compensated by cost savings on fuel. On the other hand, if you want to operate an electrical forklift in more than one shift, you may need to purchase additional batteries since the total time for charging and cooling may take up to 16 hours.

There are three types of design for forklifts when it comes to stabilization.

1. Counterweight stabilized forklifts has the advantage of being able to lift pallets directly off the floor

2. Fork over pallet stackers are less expensive and more space efficient with added maneuverability but can not lift pallets right off the floor due to the stabilizer legs that get in the way

3. With straddle legged forklifts it is possible to lower the forks all the way down to the floor and pick up pallets from there but these electric forklifts are more expensive and take up more space to store

Electric pallet stackers need quite a lot of maintenance. If you decide to purchase and used one, you cannot be sure about the actual condition of it, or whether any conservative maintenance strategy has been followed. In every case, it is recommended to purchase a new electric pallet stacker.

Finding the most efficient method for managing pallets can make all the difference. Increased safety, reduced product damage and fuel cost, cost-effective storage and distribution are among the factors that need to be carefully taken into consideration. Although electric pallet stackers are more expansive than manual drive forklifts, when it comes to the final analysis, worth their weight in gold.