If you’re looking for reliable lifting equipment that can streamline both transport and storage tasks, a pallet stacker might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Stackers are essentially a step up from pallet trucks but more maneuverable (often more cost-effective) than a full-fledged forklifts.
Their main job is lifting, moving safely, and stacking loads at varying heights—an absolute lifesaver for warehouses, logistics centers, and busy production floors. But how do you pick the perfect stacker when there are so many models, features, and specs? Keep reading to find the nine key factors to consider when investing your money wisely and maximizing efficiency.
Okuqukethwe
9 factors to consider before choosing a pallet stacker
1. Indlela yokusebenza
2. Layisha umthamo
3. Lifting height
4. Area of use
5. Primary usage (transport vs. high stacking)
6. Pallet type
7. Working time (battery and usage duration)
8. Ukusebenziseka kalula
9. Service and spare parts support
Ukuvala
9 factors to consider before choosing a pallet stacker
1. Indlela yokusebenza
The first major difference among stackers is how they’re powered:
Manual stacker (hydraulic)
With this type, operators lift and move loads using their own strength (pumping or cranking). For this reason, manual stackers are best for light loads, short distances, or infrequent use. Intensive work with a manual stacker can be tiring and slow down the process.
Semi-powered stacker
Here, a battery powers some parts of the operation (like lifting or driving) while others remain manual. It’s a inketho emaphakathi that reduces operator fatigue compared to a fully manual model, but it may not be ideal for heavy-duty, round-the-clock use.
Full battery (electric) stacker
Lawa mamodeli have batteries that power everything, including lifting, lowering, and often forward/reverse motion. They’re ideal for heavy loads, long distances, or high-volume usage. If your team moves pallets nonstop or you have a multi-shift schedule, investing in a fully electric stacker could dramatically speed up operations and reduce worker strain.
Isiphakamiso sepro: Look at your actual workflow. You don’t need a top-of-the-line electric stacker if you move only a few pallets daily. But if you run a busy logistics center, a manual stacker will likely bottleneck your operations.
2. Layisha umthamo
Njalo isitaki has a limit to how much weight it can safely lift. Choosing the right load capacity for your stacker means:
- Identifying your heaviest loads: If your heaviest pallet typically weighs 1,500 kg, you’ll want a stacker that can handle just above that (e.g., 1,600–1,800 kg capacity) for a safety margin.
- Remembering capacity drop at higher lifts: Stacker load capacity often diminishes when you lift the pallet. So, ensure the stacker’s load chart supports your lifting needs at your target height.
This factor is critical for preventing overloading, which can damage equipment and pose serious safety risks.
3. Lifting height
Next is the lifting height—i.e., how high your isitaki can raise a load. This one is straightforward:
- If you must rack up to 4 meters, you need a machine that can comfortably reach above that (perhaps 4.5 meters or more for a buffer).
- If your warehouse has a low ceiling, look for a stacker with a “free lift” feature. A free lift allows the forks to rise slightly before the mast extends upward. This feature lets you lift pallets in tight spaces without the mast immediately hitting the roof.
Ukusikisela: Some stacker models (like certain ES1546ZF variants) specifically list a free lift feature, which is extremely helpful in low-clearance scenarios.
4. Area of use
Izitaki perform best on flat, solid surfaces like epoxy-coated floors, smooth concrete, or asphalt. They aren’t designed for dirt, gravel, or steep inclines. A stacker’s smaller footprint in tight areas than a forklift is also a big advantage.
However, before buying, you may need to confirm the turning radius and aisle width requirements. Furthermore, a rail shaft or pit near entryways can damage the wheels or gearbox. So, ensure your environment doesn’t have large steps or sudden drops before getting a pallet stacker.
5. Primary usage (transport vs. high stacking)
Ask yourself: Is my main need to lift pallets onto high shelving, or do I mostly transport items across the warehouse? If you’re mostly placing loads onto tall racks, you’ll want a isitaki optimized for higher lifts.
If you primarily shuttle loads around, you might do better with a powered pallet truck and a smaller stacker for occasional stacking. Buying a high-end electric stacker for short-distance hauling can be overkill and pricier than necessary.
6. Pallet type
Not all pallets are created equal. So, businesses should also consider the pallet type before choosing a stacker. Here’s what to consider:
| Uhlobo lwephalethi | Ukuhambelana |
| Standard euro pallets | These typically fit most stackers without issue. |
| Specialty or non-standard pallets | For this pallet type, you may need a stacker with adjustable fork widths or different fork lengths. Don’t forget to check the dimensions of the pallets you handle most often. |
Isiphakamiso sepro: Don’t assume you only deal with standard pallets. Suppose you receive shipments from different regions or use custom pallets. Measure before purchasing.
7. Working time (battery and usage duration)
The question is: How long do you need your stacker running without interruption? Technically, manual stackers have unlimited “run time”—as long as the operator can keep pumping. But that can lead to operator fatigue and slower work as the day progresses.
Ngokolunye uhlangothi, electric stacker batteries can last anywhere from a few hours to a full shift, depending on capacity and usage intensity. However, you might need extra batteries or a fast-charging setup if you work multiple shifts.
Calculate your operating hours and determine whether you can afford downtime. For multi-shift operations, a stacker that charges quickly (lithium-ion batteries can sometimes recharge in just two hours) or offers battery swaps can keep things moving smoothly.
8. Ukusebenziseka kalula
One of the biggest reasons businesses choose a stacker over a forklift is that stackers can be much easier to maneuver in tight areas. Factors that affect maneuverability include:
- Ukuvula engaba: Check the product specifications for how tightly it can turn.
- Overall footprint: Choose a stacker with a compact design or a narrow mast profile if your aisles are narrow.
- Floor projection: Models with a wider or heavier base may be more stable for lifting heavy loads at high heights but can require a larger turning radius.
Think about the balance between stability and agility. If you often lift heavy loads several meters high, you’ll want a stacker with a stable base (which can be bulkier). But a smaller model might be enough if you rarely lift the maximum weight.
9. Service and spare parts support
Last but certainly not least: Who’s got your back when something goes wrong? Even high-quality machines can break down. So, you’ll want quick, professional support to minimize downtime.
Furthermore, check the model’s spare parts availability. Fast access to replacement parts means fewer operational hiccups. Remember to check how stocked your supplier is or how easily they can ship parts for repairs.
Qaphela: It doesn’t matter if a stacker has all the bells and whistles in the world. If you can’t get it serviced quickly, your warehouse operations will suffer in the long run.
Ukuvala
Choosing the right stacker for your business can feel daunting, but focusing on these nine factors will help make the process easier. First, take the time to assess your current (and future) needs honestly. Then, factor in the environments you’ll operate in, the weight of your heaviest pallets, and how often you’ll use the machine.
And don’t forget to consider support and parts availability—a stacker sitting idle due to a maintenance issue can cause major disruptions in your supply chain. Remember, a well-chosen stacker can help streamline operations and help your team work smarter, not harder.
