Manual Stackers and Pallet Lifters

Manual Stackers

When moving a fully loaded pallet an operator requires specialist pallet lifting equipment because of the heavy weights involved. Some pallets can be between 30-50kg when they are empty, and can be several tonnes when fully loaded. Needless to say it is impossible to move such loads by hand without a pallet lifter.

Thus, those who have to move the pallets need to look at various options with regard to proper lift equipment. In this they will need to choose between a few standard pieces of equipment.

A smaller size and more manoeuvrable pump truck is the first option. It is the simplest type of pallet lift equipment that you will come across. These pallet trucks are generally small and they allow users to manoeuvre in narrow spaces where movement is limited. Another consideration for your application will be the lift height required. If you are storing an item far off of the ground, on pallet racking or shelving, then a pallet truck will not work, but it will help you to move your load along smooth flat surfaces.

The second option in pallet lift equipment is the manual pallet stacker. There are several variations when it comes to self-propelled manual stackers. Stackers can lift your load to greater heights as compared to pallet trucks. Some of the semi-electric manual stackers are generally powered by batteries and some models even have built-in chargers to ensure that the stacker works optimally at all times.

There are straddle leg manual stackers, The reason for the straddle leg is that the manual stacker straddles the pallet and the legs of the stacker are outside the pallet while the forks are situated under the pallet to enable the lift. These are used on closed pallets where it is not possible to put the stacker legs under the pallet.

There are many different manual stackers available from Midland Pallet Trucks that raise the pallet to a height of 3 meters and can lift up to 1000 kg. There are fully manual models and also semi-electric manual stackers that can raise the load by using a battery powered electric motor.

The last or third option for pallet lift equipment is the forklift with capabilities to lift greater weights and heights than possible with the pallet stacker or pallet jack. Forklifts have the ability to reach high places but they are very expensive pieces of equipment and they require skilled staff that require training and a licence to operate them

The manual stacker truck is a cheaper option that requires less maintenance and can be operated by unskilled staff. Pallet trucks and pallet stackers can be just as manoeuvrable as a forklift truck.

Whichever type of pallet lift equipment that you use, you need to first address safety issues, the load size, the height to lift the load, the weight, and the space you have to manoeuvre in. Pallet stackers in particular require having weight capacity plates on them, which in turn must always be visible to whoever is operating the pallet lift equipment.

When buying any piece of equipment, especially a pallet lift, you need to ensure that the features fit in with your industrial requirements, space, and storage method. Having the right tool for the job is important and having the right pallet-moving machine can literally mean the difference between life and death for the worker that has to use it.