The first step in tackling any issue, like with most things linked to your company, is to grasp all of the intricacies and possible unintended repercussions. What is your preferred outcome, and what are the possible options for achieving it? This is also true for transferring goods in and out of your warehouse.
Two major choices for transferring palletised products are pallet stacker and forklift. Both solutions offer pros and cons, and you must decide which option is best for you based on your needs. So, let’s examine the pros and cons of each, and maybe you’ll leave this post with a more precise notion of which one is a perfect fit.
What Is a Pallet Stacker?
A walkie or pallet stacker is equipment that simplifies material handling for your staff. A Jialift walkie stacker employs hydraulics and motors to aid distribution strategy by enabling users to move, lift, and handle palletised products easily. Many current versions are supplied by electric batteries, allowing organisations to be more environmentally responsible while saving money.
In addition, choosing the appropriate pallet stacker may be a terrific addition to your business, and reputable suppliers will offer a variety of alternatives to meet your specific business requirements. These might be massive stackers for lifting large items or nimble stackers for volume work, allowing your employees to go beyond the physical or safely possible with regular equipment.
However, selecting the appropriate stacker is critical with so many alternatives available. Making the proper choice of equipment that would generally be a helpful value add-on becomes an essential component of your process.
Pros
Pallet stackers have a small footprint and are easy to use. Because batteries power them, they do not release harmful emissions and are thus suitable for indoor use.
Charging a pallet stacker requires more than plugging it into a power socket that operates at 110 volts. A counterbalanced forklift is much more costly than the equipment being compared here.
Cons
Due to its size, the pallet stacker generally has a lifting capability of about 2,500 pounds. It also has an average lift height of just 15 feet. This equipment works well for smaller loads and shorter warehouse shelves. Furthermore, a standing operator operates a pallet stacker, which may result in decreased efficiency and increased operator fatigue.
Where Do Pallet Stackers Come in Useful?
Pallet stackers are very useful in warehouses that deal with medium-sized or high-volume items. The small physical footprint of a stacker lets it be easily manoeuvred into different positions. This dramatically expands their utility, making them valuable tools in many professional contexts.
If you want to get the most from your stacker, ensure it is deployed by qualified personnel in complete OSHA compliance. Moreover, stackers are helpful across many transport routes, making short operations more efficient and lengthy trips less laborious. They are particularly beneficial for tasks requiring longer loading and manoeuvring time with bigger, heavier forklifts or non-motorised pallet carts requiring human assistance.
Furthermore, a Jialift walkie stacker is typically intended to manage products ranging from tiny to medium sizes ranging from 600 to 2000 kg. When paired with their ability to move fast and accurately, it enables a rapid pace that is safe to maintain and a steady stride. This prevents employees from expending unnecessary effort and uses modern technology to alleviate stress while on the job.
What Is a Forklift?
A forklift brings a lot to the table, but they also have some disadvantages. This is when knowing your company and understanding your requirements come into play.
You should employ a forklift if you have a heavy-usage application that requires a two-shift operation. Operator tiredness is much decreased since the operator sits or stands in the vehicle. On the other hand, a reach truck is intended to raise as high as the clear height of your building—up to 45′ if necessary.
Pros
Forklifts are suited for heavy-duty tasks. They are capable of running two shifts. Furthermore, fatigue and efficiency are minimised since the operator is sitting on the counterbalance forklift. Forklifts can also lift significantly higher, allowing warehouses to stack higher and save storage space. A counterbalance forklift will also allow you to carry more oversized loads.
Cons
When picking between a forklift and a pallet stacker, the cost is one of the most important factors. A pallet stacker will likely be far more affordable than a forklift. Additionally, you will need to purchase and install more expensive second-level charging outlets. Additionally, the equipment takes up additional space.
Conclusion
The first step is to comprehend your company and what you need. You don’t want to spend more for a solution than is necessary, and you also can’t afford to have a solution that doesn’t exactly suit the bill. Customers may decide which unit type is suitable for their application by weighing the pros and cons of a forklift and pallet stacker.