Warehouse stackers are incredibly important pieces of material handling equipment. Aside from electric, diesel and LPG forklifts and reach trucks, warehouse stackers are extremely popular throughout the warehouse. This is mainly thanks to their compact size, lightweight properties and impressive ability to lift even the heaviest of palletised loads, in some cases.
It can be overwhelming when trying to decide which type of warehouse stacker you need, especially when there are so many different variations on the market. With this in mind, we’ll be detailing the types of warehouse stackers that are available to you, together with what they have to offer your business and, where applicable, some drawbacks as well to ensure you’re making the right decision.
What is a stacker?
A warehouse stacker is a specialised piece of equipment that is widely used throughout warehouses and distribution centres alike. It’s been specifically designed to lift and move pallets and palletised goods with complete ease. As a versatile piece of material handling equipment, several types have been developed and, as such, warehouse stackers are available for hire or purchase from most forklift dealers, such as us here at Hire Forklifts.
What are the different types of warehouse stacker?
As already touched upon, there are several different types of warehouse stacker available that your business could benefit from. From electric platform stackers and self-lifting stackers to powered pallet stackers and manual stackers, there will be an effective option for your warehouse, helping to meet your needs and requirements, almost effortlessly. So what type of warehouse stackers are on the market that you can use to your advantage?
Standard manual stackers
These are the most simple and affordable warehouse stackers available. Consisting of a hydraulic pump, it has the ability to lift and transport pallets when the handle is manually pumped . It also has the capability to lift a load of up to an impressive 5,500lbs. It comes equipped with a steel trolley as well as a hydraulic pump.
The operator will have to position the two forks under a pallet and raise it clear off the floor using the lifting mechanism available to them. Once the load is off the ground, it can be manually steered to the desired location using the stacker handle.
A manual stacker can also be easily transported as a piece of warehouse equipment. You would be able to load it onto the back of a vehicle thanks to its lightweight properties and compact size. However, a warehouse stacker cannot transport heavy loads across long distances and so it’s not suitable for labour-intensive operations.
Self-lifting stackers
This stacker can be easily transported as and when needed on the back of an appropriate vehicle. It also comes equipped with a self-lifting mechanism, thanks to how lightweight this piece of material handling equipment is. A drawback of this stacker, however, is that it can only lift 500kg of stock at any one time.
Semi-electric stackers
These have been specifically designed in a bid to navigate around even the narrowest of aisles, but only across short, modest distances. As well as being able to operate effortlessly around compact spaces and confined areas, the semi-electric stacker can be easily driven and operated, but the right training is still needed, much like it is for the operation of a forklift.
The semi-electric stackers on the market have the ability to lift loads that weigh up to 2,000kg. This is all thanks to the electric control system and hydraulic unit, making for faster and easier warehouse operations when you need it most.
Semi-electric straddle leg stackers
These are fairly similar to manual straddle leg stackers, except these electric models are able to lower the forks directly towards the floor for complete and easy access to pallets and palletised goods. The difference between a manual straddle leg stacker and an electric one is that the electric stacker can lift up to 1,000kg, whereas the manual machine can only lift up 400kg.
It also comes equipped with a double chain lift and a robust hydraulic pump to allow for extra support. Semi-electric straddle leg stackers are often available in three different models, so you’ll be sure to choose a semi-electric straddle leg warehouse stacker that best suits your needs and requirements.
Powered pallet stackers
There are four powered pallet stackers available, with each one having different lifting capabilities, ranging from 1,000kg to 2,000kg. They’re also able to lift loads to different heights, from 1.6m to an impressive 3.3m. In turn, this makes it highly-suitable for moving and handling light or medium-duty loads.
The powered pallet stacker also has a high-tensile structure, together with a strong, solid frame chassis and a handle that has been ergonomically designed. When implementing a powered pallet stacker, your warehouse is likely to experience increased productivity and improved efficiency.
Electric platform stackers
Known for their swift operation, electric pallet stackers are both lightweight and high-performing. An electric platform stacker comes equipped with a powered platform that can lift loads of 400kg to a height of around 1.5m. As a result, this specific piece of material handling equipment will enable the reduction of downtime throughout your warehouse.
Electric straddle leg stackers
Similar to semi-electric straddle leg stackers, as the name would suggest, these are all-electric stackers that can be easily powered and recharged from the comfort of your own warehouse. This particular piece of equipment is available in six different models. Fitted with straddle legs, it has the convenient ability to lower to ground level in order to lift palletised products as safely as possible.
Electric straddle leg stackers are perfect for stacking heavy-weight stock and palletised goods that weigh up to 1,000kg, depending on the model you go for. It has also been meticulously designed to navigate around a warehouse with standard-sized aisle widths. This ensures the maximum efficiency and productivity even in the tightest, most compact of spaces.
Hire Forklifts have a wide range of material handling equipment available for hire, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, stackers, scissor lifts and more. For more information about how our expert team can help you today, get in touch with us – we’re always happy to hear from you.
