Buy pallet Stackers

Buy Manual, Hydraulic or Electric Pallet Stackers

Pallet stackers or stacker trucks can be found in various forms. Both manual and hydraulic varieties are popular and can be found for sale online right here at Lifting Gear Direct along with a number of electric powered stackers.

What are Pallet Stacker Trucks?

When pallets loaded with goods need to be lifted, moved and/or stacked a stacker truck is a great choice. Think of a stacker as somewhere between a pallet truck and a fork lift truck.

The forks at the front of the stacker are steered into the pallet sleeves and then lifted along with its load using the mechanism which could be a manual winch type, hydraulic or electric, depending on the type of stacker.

Manual stackers are usually the cheapest option. They are operated like a winch and wound by hand to lift loaded pallets.

Hydraulic stackers are easier to operate. They use a pumping action handle/lever or sometimes a foot pump to activate the hydraulic pump increasing the fluid pressure which then raises the forks.

Both of the above options are manually pushed around.

An electric stacker is steered electronically using onboard battery power. Most models have a driver platform for the user to stand on, making load handling quick and easy. The controls for lifting and lowering loads may be a push button or joystick type.

Where are Pallet Stackers used and Why?

Pallet stackers are designed to be used to handle loads that sit on a wooden pallet. They enable the load to be raised to heights that a standard pallet truck can't achieve. They take up much less space than a forklift truck and are a much cheaper option for both purchase and maintenance.

Compact in design with easier manoeuvrability means higher productivity in smaller spaces. So if you have numerous loaded pallets that need stacking or loading/off-loading a stacker truck is ideal. There is no requirement for certificated training like a fork lift truck operator needs.

Loaded pallets cannot usually be lifted by hand. Even with multiple people it can be dangerous, risking injury to workers and damage to the load.

Using pallet stackers can be very beneficial in minimising physical strain, especially when using the electric type, therefore reducing the risk of accidents. One of the biggest advantages to using a stacker truck is the speed of which pallet handling can be completed.

Pallet stacker trucks are used in many areas that frequently handle loaded pallets.

Some common areas of use include:

• Warehouses – used for stacking, retrieving and general handling of palletised goods.

• Distribution – used for unloading and loading loaded pallets in smaller trucks/lorries.

• Manufacturing - useful for moving materials and finished products around.

• Small businesses – often used as a cheaper, space saving alternative to a forklift truck.

Types of Pallet Stackers and How They Work

There are three main types of these pallet stackers suitable for different scenarios and budgets.

There are numerous models for each type with different specifications, not only will the capacity and lifting heights differ you should also pay attention to the length of the forks and their adjustability in width if this is an option. The lifting height per stroke can also influence your choice as this indicates how much the load will be raised per each handle pump/wind.

The Manual Winch Stacker Trucks

Manual winch stacker trucks are moved around by pushing or pulling the truck with the rear handles. They incorporate wheels and/or castors to enable good steering. Lifting the load is carried out by hand with the help of gears, by turning a handle similar to a winch.

Capacities up to 500kg and lifting heights up to 1.5 metre are typically available.

Pros: Lowest cost option, easiest to maintain.

Cons: Most physical effort needed, slower to use, often lower lifting capacities and lifting heights than other types.

Manual winch type stackers are good for lighter loads and smaller budgets.

Hydraulic Stacker Trucks

Incorporating hydraulic pumps these pallet stackers are somewhat easier to operate than the winch type option. The hydraulics are controlled by hand and foot controls to lift and lower loads. Pumping the handle to lift and controlled operation of the release valve to lower. Suitable for pallets skids and dies.

Capacities usually go up to around 1000kg with lifting heights of around 2.5 to 3 metres.

Pros: Mid range pricing; Easier operation; wider range of lifting capacities and more height.

Cons: Physical effort needed; slower than electric models; more maintenance requirements.

The hydraulic option provides a good mid range solution and balances cost and convenience well.

Electric Stacker Trucks

Using rechargeable battery power to move around and lift and lower loads with hand operated controls these are the easiest stackers to operate and handle your loads. Most battery powered stacker trucks have a standing platform at the rear so the operator can move around with the truck.

Lifting capacities go up to 1500kg and lifting heights up to 3 metres often available.

Pros: Physical effort needed is minimal to none; quicker pallet handling for high efficiency; can handle heavier loads.

Cons: Most costly option; battery will need charging; more maintenance needed.

Electric stackers are probably best suited to busy warehouses and distribution centres or where efficiency is a high priority. So if you handle high volumes of pallet loading and/or stacking tasks powered stackers are ideal.

Although it may have a larger initial outlay, these models often quickly off set the larger cost through increased productivity and reduced worker fatigue.

Pallet Stacker Trucks Available

When you are deciding on which type of pallet stacker will be best for your set up you should consider various factors such as budget, frequency of use, load weight, and lifting height requirements.

Lifting Gear Direct are able to supply a wide range of stacker trucks from the load moving equipment category. You will find a selection of both the winch type, the hydraulic type and the electric type.

The pallet stacker trucks come in a range of lifting heights and safe working loads so browse the collection to find your perfect pallet stacker .

PALLET STACKERS FAQ'S