(1784 products available)
Manual walkie stackers, also known as manual pallet stackers, are equipment used in warehouses to stack materials and move them around without much effort. While all the types of manual walkie stackers have their peculiarities, they generally share some features. They have a two-pronged approach – they can be used to stack products and also to transport them from one place to another.
However, these easy-to-use stackers vary in lifting mechanisms, capacity, and the weight of the operation. Here are some of the popular types of manual walkie stackers.
As the name implies, this type of manual stacker is fitted with forks that enable the users to lift and stack pallets. The lifting mechanism of these stackers operate through a manual hydraulic pump, which is controlled with a foot pedal or lever. The forks can be moved under the pallet, raised to lift the load, and then lowered to let it rest on the ground.
One of the key features of using a walkie stacker with forks is that it is suited for handling palletized loads. This makes it very handy and usable in warehouses and distribution centers for stacking goods and transporting them around.
Scissor lift manual walkie stackers are unique because they use a scissor-like lifting mechanism to raise the load. These stackers are portable and great for small workplaces with limited space because they have a compact design.
Moreover, the scissor lift is perfect for lifting objects that are hard to lift, such as machinery, to a specific height. Most of these stackers have a manual hydraulic pump that operates on a foot pedal or lever.
These stackers, also known as piston-based manual pallet stackers, have one distinguishing feature - they use a piston mechanism to lift loads. This lifting system has a manual hydraulic pump operated with a foot pedal or lever, making it cost-effective.
The pump works by pressing a piston that lifts the load. This type of stacker is suitable for relatively lighter loads, making it a perfect fit for small businesses. Their simple lifting mechanism requires less maintenance and is ideal for easy loading and unloading in warehouses.
Manual split bottom walkie stackers have an interesting feature - their fork bottoms can split apart. This allows users to transport palletized items safely. Like other stackers, this one also has a manual hydraulic pump operated with a foot pedal or lever.
These stackers are commonly used in warehouse work, as they are good for moving and stacking objects on pallets and even stacking the pallets themselves. Their splitting fork design is very helpful because it gives owners lots of options for growing their inventory management system.
Considering all the types of stackers, proper classification is necessary – it makes it easy to select the ideal one, and it enhances the productivity of an establishment.
Working principles and key features of manual walkie stackers were highlighted in the previous section. They all share some common specifications regardless of the kind of lifting mechanism they employ. Here are some of these specifications.
Capacity is one of the most important specifications of any structure, and it refers to how much load it can carry at a particular time. The load capacity of a manual walkie stacker is usually between 1000 kg and 2000 kg. However, there are exceptions, and some stackers can carry up to 2500 kg or more. It is recommended that buyers always put the specific needs of their business and the average weight of the transported items into consideration.
Fork dimensions include the length, width, and thickness of the forks used in walkie stackers. The dimensions also include the inner width and outer width of the forks, which means the distance between the two forks and the distance between the two outer edges of the fork. The size of the forks determines the kind of pallets that can be handled. They can be found in different sizes, depending on the brand and model. The lengths range from 800 mm to 1500 mm, while the widths are about 550 mm to 700 mm.
Battery-operated walkie stackers are designed to lift loads to specific heights. Their lift heights usually range from around 1600 mm to 3000 mm. Higher models can lift up to 6000 mm. The lift height depends on the stacking needs of the users. For example, stacking items in a storage rack requires more height, but it becomes unnecessary when stacking them on the floor.
The overall dimension of walkie stackers generally consists of three specific measurements: length, width, and height. Compact designs are better suited for smaller workplaces, while larger stackers are more effective in large storage facilities. The size of the stacker determines how easily it can get into tight spaces. Large walkie stackers can work in open areas, but small ones can maneuver through narrow aisles.
The thickness of the forks is one of the features that make them strong enough to carry heavy loads. Thin forks are lighter and more flexible and can easily penetrate loads. Thick forks are heavier, stronger, and more difficult to maneuver around fragile goods. The appropriate fork thickness will depend on the usual loadweight and type encountered in a particular workspace.
Manual walkie stackers, as explained in the previous sections, are found in many work settings. They make material handling easier, especially when cumbersome loads are involved. Below are such common scenarios.
Walkie stackers are often used in warehouses to transport products from one point to another. They make it possible to efficiently load and unload palletized items. With the lifting capacity of manual stackers, the items can also be neatly stacked and organized onto shelves and racks.
Walkie stackers are also popular in manufacturing plants for moving bulk materials around the place sourced from suppliers. They quickly load materials onto machines and position finished products for shipment. Walkie stackers also help create more efficient workflows in production areas.
In retail stores, stockrooms behind the sales areas are usually full of stocks waiting to be displayed. Manual stackers assist in organizing, loading, and offloading palletized stocks into shelves. They are also helpful in maintaining order within the restricted stockroom spaces.
Distribution centers use stackers, too, but they highly prefer powered and manual varieties. Materials Handling stackers help organize inbound shipments and prepare outbound pallets. The equipment also facilitates order fulfillment and shipping processes.
On construction sites, walkie stackers transport construction materials such as blocks, tiles, and building tools. They can stack items in a well-organized manner, making it easy to locate and retrieve them when needed on the site.
Cold storage facilities, like warehouses, always have goods on pallets. They use stackers to move perishable goods stored on pallets around their facilities. The stackers help maintain product integrity by stacking items in designated storage areas.
There are some factors, or put differently, some walkie stackers' characteristics, that are common to all work environments where they are used. Users must consider the following specifications to avoid buying the wrong stacker.
The primary consideration or the first factor that comes into play on which load capacity depends is the average loadweight in a given environment. Not only that; the height to which these loads are lifted matters too. The load capacity of the stacker must correspond to these two specifications to avoid breakdowns. Getting the right choice will help the users achieve their goals.
After load capacity, the other important factor to consider is the fork size and type. Fork sizes must correspond with the pallets being employed in the workplace. The material that constructs the forks should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
It has been observed that the required or desired lift height differs significantly across work areas. While some manufacturers prefer only low-level stacking, others require high stacking to save floor space. Therefore, buyers must consider how high their stackers will be required to lift stocks.
The hydraulic system used to operate various types of stackers offers different levels of efficiency in handling the loads. Some are manual systems with foot pedals and levers, while others have powered hydraulic systems. They all have their benefits and disadvantages.
How users operate the stackers must be considered too. Some stackers have easy-to-use controls for novice operators, while others offer advanced functions for skilled ones. Go for an option that ergonomically fits the operators' working style and conditions.
The type of ground on which the walkie stackers must operate also influence the selection process. Their wheels are mostly constructed for the smooth surface of warehouses and distribution centers. Others can navigate more unpredictable surfaces like construction sites, though not as many as other types.
A. Stacker load capacity should correspond to pallet weight. It should be noted that a pallet's weight is not the weight of the products it contains but the weight of the products themselves. Further considerations include the type of products being stacked and whether there will be more than one pallet placed on another.
A. Forklifts are used to move big items. They are also suitable for outdoor operation. On the other hand, manual walkie stackers are cheaper and operate without energy consumption. They are also excellent for maneuvering in confined areas, making them ideal for small warehouses.
A. Select walkie stackers with steel frames and rubber wheels. The wheels must also be deep-treaded so that they can grip the ground better. Moreover, it is safer for the stacker operators and the machines used on this type of terrain to move as slowly as possible.
A. The maximum lift height mainly depends on the requirements of the workplace. Ask how the current stocks are stacked to make the work easier and enhance efficiency. It is easier to stack items without taking much floor space when they can be stored high.
A. Compared to other stackers, they require less maintenance. Regular checks on the hydraulic system, which is more of a manual work, lubrication of the moving parts, and general cleaning are among the few maintenance tasks required.