I think I’m one of the few people who think that for the most part, automation and robotization of many labor-intensive industries is a good thing. Take warehouses, for instance: we’re already heavily relying on electric lifters, forklifts and a wide range of other material handling equipment, which has significantly reduced the number of injuries that occur since all of that equipment has replaced hard manual labor. One of the most revolutionary pieces for warehouses are the electric and semi electric stacker pieces of equipment. If you’ve decided to incorporate some into your warehouse, then there are a couple if important factors to consider if you want to make the right investment.
For starters, when picking the right electric or semi electric stacker, you need to consider the power capacity. How much do you need your stacker to lift? There’s a ton of different models with varying capabilities and maximum capacities. With that said, consider how you intend on using it, and what for. If your inventory consists of mostly smaller products, you don’t need a stacker with more than 250kg. However, if your inventory includes heavy products, you might need a stacker with a tonne capacity, or even more. Always consider the weight of your heaviest items, and round up the capacity of the stacker slightly above that.
Next, consider the stacker’s height. How high do you need to stack products? Are you stocking multiple levels of inventory, or is it close to the ground for the most part? You can find stackers that can reach heights of about 3 meters. However, keep in mind that the maximum height of the stacker will impact its capacity, so check how much weight the stacker can handle at its maximum height to see whether it matches up with your requirements.
Furthermore, consider whether you want the stacker to feature a platform or forks. This decision will depend on the type of loads you’re lifting. For instance, if you’re lifting pallets and skids, forks are probably the ideal choice. A platform stacker, on the other hand, is more suitable for lifting loads such as cartons. There are some adjustable fork models which you can use for different types of skids and pallets.
Lastly, consider whether you want any human involvement in the operating of the stacker. Some models can operate with the simple push of a few buttons, while others require using a hand pump. Your choice will mostly depend on how often the stacker will be used. As aforementioned, there are also semi electric models that combine the best of both worlds and they’re great for a ton of commercial and maintenance applications.
