Electric Pallet Stacker

Electric Pallet Stacker – The definitive FAQ guide

The machine that is used to stack, move, or lift the pallets, with the help of electricity is known as an electric pallet stacker.

The FAQ guide below can help the readers get answers to the question that are frequently asked on the electric pallet stacker.

Table of Content

What is the difference between an electric pallet stacker and a traditional pallet truck?

The main difference between an electric pallet stacker and a traditional pallet truck is that the electric pallet stacker uses electricity while the traditional pallet truck uses manual power. There is also a difference in cost between them. Electric pallet stacker is expensive as compared to a traditional pallet truck. Therefore, you will need to prepare a list of pros and cons for both to be able to shortlist and decide which one is preferable and suit your needs.

Discuss some of the pros of using an electric pallet stacker.

The function of an electric pallet stacker is just like the traditional pallet truck but with the addition of an electric motor. The motor is used to raise and lower the forks. It is the reason due to which the electric pallet stacker can lift higher than the traditional pallet truck.

Some of the basic pros of using the electric pallet stacker are mentioned below:

1. The productivity is increased if you use an electric pallet stacker especially if you are using it in a large facility.
2. The electric pallet stacker is beneficial for moving the pallet stackers that are tall.
3. The strain on the operator is usually reduced when the electric pallet stacker is used.

Figure 1- Electric Pallet Stacker

Mention some cons of using an electric pallet stacker.

Although the electric pallet stacker is a preferable option when a comparison is made with the traditional pallet truck. But that does not mean it does not have certain disadvantages, shortcomings, and weaknesses. Some of the cons of using the electric pallet stacker are mentioned below:

1. The biggest problem behind using the electric pallet stacker is the cost. It is much more expensive when compared with the traditional pallet truck.
2. The traditional pallet truck does not require much maintenance, but due to the presence of electrical components, the electric pallet stacker needs extra maintenance.
3. The training of the employees is compulsory. They cannot be allowed to use the electric pallet stacker without any previous knowledge or preparation.
4. Stopping the machine can take a while as compared to the traditional pallet truck which can be stopped instantly.

What is the capacity range of the electric pallet stacker?

The range of the electric pallet stacker in terms of its capacity is from 2,000 lbs. to 6,000 lbs. This range is for the basic electric pallet stacker. On the other hand, the traditional pallet truck can carry the load from 5,000 lbs. to 5,500 lbs.

In terms of visibility, which is preferable for an operator, an electric pallet stacker, or a traditional pallet truck?

The use of an electric pallet stacker is preferable in terms of visibility. It because the operator of the electric pallet stacker stands on the equipment. Due to this, the operator can see the hurdles ahead and avoid them. On the other hand, the operator of the traditional pallet truck is not able to see ahead sometimes, which can lead to accidents on site, causing injury to the operator as well as to the people around the machine. That is why the operator of the traditional pallet truck ought to be extra careful and vigilant while operating the machine.

Which causes more operator injury, a traditional pallet truck or an electric pallet stacker?

According to OSHA, the traditional pallet truck causes more injuries to the operators as compared to the electric pallet stackers. The reason behind these injuries can be the stress that is experienced by the operators on their wrists when they are required to steer and stop the traditional pallet truck manually. Moreover, their back and waists can also suffer the consequences of operating the traditional pallet truck for a long time. On the other hand, the electric pallet stacker does not cause such injuries as the operator is not required to steer and stop the electric pallet stacker manually.

Is it safe to use an electric pallet stacker compared to a traditional pallet truck?

It is much safer to use an electric pallet stacker due to its ability to lift the greater load by a simple press of a button. In contrast, the traditional pallet truck requires the manual jacking up of the pallets which can be dangerous and exhausting.

Is the electric pallet stacker environmentally friendly?

Yes, the electric pallet stacker is safe for the environment. The reason is the fact that the traditional pallet trucks are powered with the help of fossil fuel. They use petrol or diesel to run. While the electric pallet stacker uses electricity and is more efficient compared to the traditional pallet truck.

Which batteries are better and beneficial to be used in the electric pallet stacker?

The electric pallet stacker uses batteries instead of fossil fuel. In terms of batteries, the Li-ion powered vehicles are preferable compared to the lead-acid powered vehicles. It is because the Li-ion-powered vehicles have light batteries and are easier to change. You do not need to provide maintenance to such vehicles which would make it an overall cost-effective investment.

How useful are the stackers?

Stackers are extremely important. They were useful before as well, but after the rise of online shopping, the use of the stackers has further increased. The reason behind this is an increase in the size of the warehouses, due to the increase in the orders. To use the space more efficiently, the pallets are stacker up to the height of 13 meters. It is difficult to move them around with the help of the traditional pallet stacker, hence an electric pallet stacker is used. These pallet stackers are used in construction environments and storerooms as well. Tiles, building materials, and cement are moved by using electric stackers. With the assistance of the stacker, you can get the stock items for your customers without letting them wait. This can be a method of increasing the business, which would increase the overall profit of your company.

The following link shows how an electric pallet stacker is used:

(1) 1500kg /3m electric pallet stacker double lift – YouTube

What are the usual speeds of the electric pallet stackers?

Different models of electric pallet stackers have different speeds. The usual range of the speed of the electric pallet stacker is between 2mph to 26mph. These speeds can cause the operator of the stacker to travel across the warehouse or storeroom faster.

Does the electric pallet stacker reduce physical labor?

Yes, the electric pallet stacker does reduce physical labor. By using the traditional pallet truck, the operators usually had to stack various pallets manually with the help of a pulley, which would affect the operators physically. It would damage their back, spine, and cause pain in their joints. After bringing the pallets to the hydraulic lifters, they would manually stack those pallets on the hydraulic lifters, and then physically jack up the pallets, which would take time. The electric pallet stacker is not only efficient but also takes less time.

Can the electric pallet stacker fit in tight spaces?

Electric pallet stackers are easy to maneuver. They are designed in such a way that they can fit in small spaces easily. They are also able to lift items that have irregular shapes. All these points prove that an electric pallet stacker is a better option when compared with a traditional pallet truck or a forklift truck.

How to find out which stacker is good for you?

There are various things that you will need to consider before finalizing which stacker do you need to buy. Some of those things include the size of your business.

1. If you have a huge business, you will be requiring more pallet stackers versus if you are running a small business. Moreover, you must also consider your plan in the future. If you plan on expanding your business, you should buy accordingly. The electric pallet stackers are expensive; therefore, you should take a deep breath and consider everything before investing.
2. You should also find out about the load that you will be requiring the stacker to carry. There are different designs of stacker available in the market that are manufactured by keeping in mind a specific load. You must do your research about the material used in the different stackers and find out about the maximum load they can carry before buying them.
3. Lastly, the battery size should be considered. You will have to find out the number of hours you will be using the stacker for in a day, and then buy the stacker with a battery that will be able to last that long.

What is the lift height of an electric pallet stacker?

The lift height of a usual electric pallet stacker is around 4.8 meters. Hence, it can be used for stacking the pallets easily and without facing many difficulties and troubles. As it is an electric pallet stacker and not the traditional hydraulic pallet stacker, you do not have to spend energy in jacking it up to your desired height. Rather it can all be done with the help of a simple switch.

How to operate an electric pallet stacker?

Make sure that you are wearing safety shoes before you begin to operate the electric pallet stacker. You must not carry people with you on the stacker and do not exceed the load limit that is mentioned on the stacker. The first step is to make sure that the emergency switch is pulled up, then enter the key or pin code to start the truck. The battery status is shown as soon as the machine starts. Tilt the control handles towards you and use the rocker switch to determine the direction and the speed of the stacker. The control handle is also used for steering left or right. To stop the machine, either move the control handles back to their original vertical position or release the rocker switch. The fork can be lifted or lowered down by using the lift and lower buttons.

The following link shows how to operate an electric pallet stacker:

(2) Jungheinrich How-to: Electric pallet stacker ERC *not valid for US market – YouTube

What are the different kinds of stackers?

There are various kinds of stackers, some of which are mentioned below:

1. Electric pallet stacker
2. Straddle stackers
3. Manual pallet stacker
4. Counterbalance stackers
5. Mono mast stacker
6. Walkie stackers
7. Ride-on pallet stacker

Are the counterbalance stackers similar to the electric pallet stackers?

No, they are not similar. They both have some unique features. If you require a stacker that can be used to travel to smaller distances, then you can prefer a counterbalanced stacker. They are usually used in tight spaces and are preferable for lifting small or medium loads.

How many types of electric pallet stackers are available?

There are two main types of electric pallet stacker available in the market. These are mentioned below:

1. Lead-acid battery stacker
2. AGM (Gel) battery stacker

What is a lead-acid battery stacker?

It is a type of electric pallet stacker. Since it is a battery-operated machine, it does not require any diesel or gas to be brought on site. Due to this, the lead-acid battery stackers are considered environmentally friendly.

What height can a lead-acid battery stacker achieve?

Lead-acid battery stackers can achieve a lifting height of about 4500mm to 5000mm. They are easy to maneuver and the desirable heights can be reached by the operators effortlessly.

How many batteries do the lead-acid battery stacker have?

The lead-acid battery stackers have an option to include more than one battery. This is a preferable option to buy because you can operate your stacker even when one of your batteries is being charged. This can increase your efficiency on site, as the time spent on-site during which you will be able to use the stacker will increase, and you will not be obliged to wait until the battery gets charged. In the case of forklifts, there is only one battery available. So, the operator will have to wait for the forklift to get charged before they can get back to work, which is a waste of time and resources.

What is the full form of AGM in the AGM (Gel) battery stacker?

The full form of AGM is Absorbed Glass Mat. These are a type of batteries that can be used in the electric pallet stackers.

Can an AGM (Gel) battery stacker be considered a better option?

There is a battery acid present in the traditional lead-acid batteries, which can cause spillage if the battery case breaks. As this type of stacker uses an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, therefore, there is no risk of spillage. Furthermore, these batteries last longer. Although, you will have to remember to use about 50% of its capacity per cycle for best performance. You can add this information to your Battery Maintenance System. Due to these points, the operator prefers to use an AGM battery stacker instead of the one that uses the traditional battery.

How to carry out a pre-operation inspection for an electric pallet stacker?

A pre-operation inspection means to find out if there is any problem with the machine before you begin to use it. You should follow the steps that are mentioned below to be able to make sure that everything is fine and safe to use.

1. The first and the most important step is seeing if there is any wreckage or debris in the surrounding areas which can cause hindrance in the smooth running of the stacker.
2. Afterward, check if you can notice any fluid leaking. The fluid can be the battery acid which might be leaking due to a damaged or cracked battery case.
3. The next thing to find out is if there are any cracks on the stacker, or if any part is damaged.
4. The last step would be to check the tires and forks of the stacker.

After completing the pre-operational inspection, make sure that the safety devices are attached to the stacker. Moreover, confirm if all the warning labels are attached to the stacker as well.

How to test the operating controls before using the electric pallet stacker?

You should follow the steps mentioned below to check and test the operating controls before using the electric pallet stacker.

1. First, check the forks. You should raise them, and then lower them down. If you feel that the forks are not moving smoothly, inform your manager.
2. Test the horn and confirm that it is working properly.
3. Test the braking system.
4. Then the forward and reverse control should be checked.
5. Lastly, the emergency reverse control should be tested.

If any of these things are not working properly, you should not use the electric pallet stacker. You should put the label ‘out of order’ on it, and let your manager or supervisor know about the state of your stacker.

What are the two points that you must recheck before transporting the load?

Before transporting the load, you will have to recheck two points. The first is to find out if the load is stable, and the second is if the load is centered. If the load is unstable or off-centered, it will fall during the travel, which would cause injury to the operator and people around the stacker and damage to the load. Hence, care must be taken, and these points must be checked before transporting the load.

What points should you consider before lifting?

Before you begin the lifting process, make sure that the forks are working. Secondly, confirm that the forks are below the pallet, while the load is against the back. These points are essential and crucial if you aim to avoid the falling of the load and damaging it.

While transporting and placing the load, what things should you bear in mind?

Before beginning to move, make sure that you know your current location and your destination. Examine the path towards your destination, and make sure it is clear of any kind of debris that would create problems for you while traveling. You should not adjust your forks while you are moving, as it will cause distraction. Stop the stacker completely before you lower the pallet. Remain attentive through the process of transportation. You should be observant for other people and vehicles. As you know that the forks do not end where the pallet does, they stick out. Therefore, extra care must be taken while getting close to other objects.

What should you take into account while parking the electric pallet stacker?

One should not simply park their electric pallet stacker without considering a few things first.

1. You must first make sure that the forks of the stacker are lowered to the ground before you park.
2. If you do not want your electric pallet stacker to be used by someone else, you must park it inside the site. But if due to a certain reason, you are unable to do so, make sure that you disconnect the battery. If you have the keys to the stackers, then remove them before parking them so that no one can use them in your absence.
3. Lastly, make sure that you are not blocking any exit or entry points. If you are doing so, then you should move your stacker to somewhere else.

What are the three basic movements of an electric pallet stacker?

The electric pallet stacker has three basic movements i.e., luffing, traveling distances, and slewing. Luffing is the vertical movement of the stacker that is usually powered by hydraulic cylinders. While slewing is the movement of the stacker when they rotate around a central axis to align the stockpiles.