Choosing the Right Battery-Operated Stacker
5 min readStackers are multi-purpose vehicles that lift and move loads in warehouses or workplaces that use pallets. They are more efficient than forklifts and require less strength to operate.
Choosing the right battery-operated stacker can help your business be more productive. However, there are several factors to consider before you make a purchase.
Load Capacity
Electric stackers are efficient, versatile pieces of material handling equipment that can help reduce labour in a variety of applications. They can move and lift longer loads than a pallet truck, making them ideal for warehouses that deal with high volumes of goods. They also consume less fuel than diesel and petrol-powered forklifts, which makes them an environmentally friendly option.
Determine your load capacity requirements to find an electric stacker that will meet your needs. Choose a model that has an initial lift feature to allow you to work in low-clearance areas. Also, consider the power source, operating environment, maintenance, and safety features of the stacker to ensure a successful operation.
Lift Height
When selecting a stacker, the lift height is a crucial factor to consider. Measure the highest racks in your warehouse and choose a machine that can reach those levels. This ensures that you can stack your loads without any issues.
Manual hydraulic pallet lifters can strain your back, arms, legs and spine, but using a battery powered stacker eliminates the need for physical exertion. This also reduces the risk of costly injuries to your warehouse staff.
There are several types of battery stackers, including counterbalance stackers that offer great stability and manoeuvrability. Other options include walkie stackers and straddle stackers that are suitable for tight spaces and low budgets.
Manoeuvrability
Stackers are used to lift, move and stack products in warehouses or other industrial settings. They are an excellent alternative to forklifts as they require less physical effort from the operator, and are great for maneuvering around tight spaces and lifting awkwardly shaped loads.
When choosing a battery-operated stacker, it is important to consider its capacity, lift height and manoeuvrability. Assess the heaviest load you’ll be handling on a regular basis, and choose an appropriate model for your facility.
Also, consider the type of battery that will be used. Lead acid batteries are cheaper, but lithium ion models are more efficient and better for the environment. They also have a longer charge life and require less maintenance than lead acid batteries.
Battery Type
Battery types can vary dramatically in terms of their energy, runtime and cycle life. Battery selection is about trading off one attribute against another. For example, a battery that offers high energy density at the cost of longevity may not be a good choice for a device with a small form factor.
The operating voltage of a battery also influences its suitability. Batteries with higher operating voltages are better suited for devices that operate at a constant current over a long period of time. This includes devices like smoke alarms, flashlights and toys.
Operating Environment
A battery-operated stacker is a type of material handling equipment that relies on rechargeable batteries to operate. It has a number of benefits that can significantly improve the productivity of your warehouse.
To choose the right one for your facility, consider the following factors:
Load Capacity: Evaluate the heaviest loads you will handle on a daily basis. Ensure that the load-bearing capacity of your stacker is sufficient to meet your requirements.
Operating Environment: Ensure that the conditions in your warehouse are conducive to safe and efficient operation of the stacker. This includes checking the temperature, humidity and any exposure to dust or corrosive chemicals.
Battery Type: Consider whether your facility will allow for the use of lithium-ion stackers, which offer a longer run time, require less maintenance and are quicker to charge. They are more expensive upfront but can save you money on power bills in the long term.
Safety Features
A battery-powered stacker is a useful tool in any warehouse or workplace that carries pallets. They are easy to manoeuvre compared to other materials handling equipment and are perfect for tight spaces and lifting difficult-shaped items. They also reduce the risk of injuries to your employees, saving you money on pricy workers’ compensation claims and other overhead expenses.
You can choose from manual hydraulic, semi-electric, and fully electric models. The manual option works by pumping a handle for vertical lifting while the semi-electric and fully electric ones use electric power for this purpose. Lithium-ion stackers are environmentally friendly since they don’t require fossil fuels like diesel or petrol. Their lightweight batteries are easier to maintain and charge quickly, saving you further on power bills.
Maintenance
A battery-operated stacker is a useful piece of equipment in warehouses. They can lift and place heavy loads in a quick manner, saving the workforce time and effort. Stackers also help reduce the risk of physical injuries that can be caused by traditional materials handling equipment like forklifts.
They are usually used in crowded and narrow aisles where there is no space for larger material handling vehicles. They are also more effective over longer distances than pallet trucks and have a higher load capacity.
Choosing the right battery-operated stacker involves careful consideration of a number of factors. These include load capacity, lift height, manoeuvrability, battery type, operating environment, safety features, maintenance budget, and more.
Budget
A battery operated stacker is an efficient and versatile material handling equipment that can be used in a wide variety of applications. They are ideal for reducing manual labor and improving productivity in the workplace.
Consider the heaviest load that your warehouse handles regularly and choose a stacker with an adequate capacity to meet your requirements. Also, measure the height of your longest shelves and racks to select a stacker that can reach them.
Moreover, you should look for an electric stacker that uses Li-ion batteries instead of lead-acid ones. They are lighter and quick to charge, saving you money on energy costs. They also reduce your environmental footprint by eliminating the need for fossil fuels like diesel and petrol.