What is the Difference between a Pallet Stacker and a Reach Truck?

Approximately two thirds of all loading and unloading movements in the warehousing and 3PL industry are completed using either a pallet stacker or reach truck.

When deciding which type of unit is the best solution you should consider the specific needs of your business as each serve different purposes and are suited to different applications.

What is a Pallet Stacker?

Pallet stackers are small nimble pedestrian operated warehouse materials handling equipment. They can either be manually operated or battery operated providing a more efficient and ergonomic lifting solution.

Advantages:

• Small sized and increased manoeuvrability to turn and work in confined areas.
• Optimal for working in narrow aisles
• Simple and easy to charge as they can be connected to standard mains power to recharge
• Operators do not require a licence to operate

Disadvantages:

• Lower lifting capacity and height
• Not suitable for heavy loads
• Operators might be more susceptible to physical injury or fatigue as they must manually operate and manoeuvre the unit whilst fully loaded

What is a Reach Truck?

Reach Trucks are designed to safely and efficiently lift and retrieve loads from extreme heights that traditional counterbalance forklifts or order pickers are unable to access.

Advantages:

• Provides access for putting away or retrieving pallets at height, in narrow aisles.
• Forward reach ability enables accurate placement between shelves
• Durable frame and mast construction allows smooth operation when handling heavy loads.
• High travel and acceleration speeds, with seamless direction changes

Disadvantages:

• Designed for indoor usage and may not perform well on rough/uneven surfaces.
• Lower total lifting capacity compared to forklifts
• Higher initial cost

So what’s the difference?

Although both units can be used for similar applications, i.e. lifting pallets, both offer differing flexibilities and manoeuvrability’s.

Let’s take a glance.

Considerations when making your decision

• The size and structure of your warehouse space
• Load capacity and height requirements
• Indoor or Outdoor usage?

Now it is time to make an informed decision regarding which of the Pallet Stacker or Reach Truck your business needs.

The choice is up to YOU.

Consider the operating conditions and the type of application that is best suited for. The price of these products will quickly pay off with its increased productivity and versatility.

For further assistance in choosing the correct equipment for your operations contact one of our sales specialists on 13 22 54 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.