Stackers

How Stacker Helps Streamline Material Handling Process
 

Stacker is an industrial-grade material handling equipment used to lift and transport heavy loads within the facility, between adjacent buildings, and in or from the vehicles. It is most commonly employed in manufacturing units, warehouses, distribution centers, construction sites, etc. These heavy-duty machines are designed to be durable, strong, and high-performing. 
 

Applications of Stackers 
 

There are various applications of stackers across major industries, including: 
 

• Warehousing and Distribution Centers

Stackers are extensively employed in warehouses and large distribution centers for loading, lifting, and moving palletized loads, equipment, heavy machines, and other types of heavy materials within the facility. Also, inventory management becomes swift and efficient with the use of stackers. 

• Manufacturing Facilities 

Stackers are designed to lift heavy loads no matter what nature or type it is. They are commonly hired in manufacturing facilities to streamline the transportation of finished products between assembly lines, unfinished products to packaging or delivery areas, etc. 

• Retail Stores 

Stackers are used in retail stores of small to medium-level material handling operations like restocking merchandise on racks and shelves to make some floor space in confined zones. 

• Construction Sites 

Stackers are extensively used on construction sites to transport materials such as cement bags, bricks, lumber, etc from one site to another. These heavy-duty machines can efficiently operate on uneven surfaces and rough terrains of construction zones. 

• Ports and Shipping Terminals 

Stackers are hired at ports and shipping yards to lift and load shipping containers that weigh in tonnes. They facilitate the material handling process for large-size containers for storage in yards. 

• Agriculture

Stackers are used in the agricultural industry for loading and moving heavy loads such as bags of feed, logs, bags of fertilizers, and other materials that help in crop growth. These machines help these materials to move to a safe storage location at a fast pace. 

• Cold Storage Facilities 

In cold storage facilities, the stackers assist in material handling operations where the stocks and goods that require low temperatures are transported within the facility. This job is continuous and requires the support of these heavy-duty machines for swift and smooth operations. 

• Automated Material Handling Operations

In automated warehouses and distribution centers, the stackers are extensively hired to perform material handling tasks in auto mode without human intervention. This job is also continuous and stackers are required to function in coordination with robotic equipment. 
 

Key Benefits of Stackers 

Here are the various benefits of stackers with regard to material handling operations: 
 

• Easy to Reach Vertical Spaces 

Using stackers allows operators to efficiently access vertical storage spaces in large warehouses and storage facilities. Stackers reach up to certain heights to place various heavy objects, this way the company saves floor space by vertically aligning loads in racks. 

• Efficiency 

Automatic stackers work on their own as per the programming. They increase the efficiency levels by 10 folds with lifting, stacking, and storing materials without the intervention of operators. This also improves productivity levels, reduces labor expenses, and eliminates chances of human error. 

• Versatility  

Stackers are available in various specifications with varying lifting capacities and power modes. Also, they have several variants, each designed for a specific type of work. This makes them a highly versatile choice of equipment in material handling operations. Stackers can manage to lift and transport a wide spectrum of materials such as palletized loads, bags, boxes, etc. 

• Enhanced Safety Features 

As many efficient and versatile stackers are, they are very powerful and any type of human error can cause a disaster within the facility. For this reason, they come equipped with advanced safety features such as sensors, alarms, and safety cages. Sensors perform a crucial role by warning about overloading, any damages to vehicles, and even stopping the vehicle with emergency brakes.  

• Cost Effective 

Stackers are highly cost-efficient material handling equipment. They have low operational and maintenance costs along with negligible downtime. They help reduce labor expenses, as only one operator can use it all day without wearing off. Moreover, they increase productivity, are durable, and have a long lifespan, all the features that benefit the business. 

• Inventory Management 

Stackers are most extensively resourced in warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, etc. where they play a crucial role in assisting with inventory management. By lifting and loading goods and pallets to different racks and shelves at heights, they speed up the inventory management process. 

• Environment Friendly 

There are several types of stackers available in the market and out of all the Electric Stackers are more environmentally friendly as they produce zero emissions. They assist in maintaining a cleaner and sustainable environment. Moreover, they are quiet and powerful, creating a relaxing but productive working environment. 

• Highly Adaptive 

As mentioned, Stackers are of various types, each designed to be operated in various applications and working environments. This grants a quality of being highly adaptive to their working environment. They can be used on rough terrains, for vertical storage spaces, in chemically exposed environments, etc, stackers can easily deliver productivity, efficiency, and performance. 
 

How to Choose a Stacker for Yourself? 

There are various factors to consider when you are looking for the right stacker:

• Check Requirements 

Identify your specific requirements and the type of job you want to hire a stacker for. Assess the specific material handling needs you have and that will easily define which types of stacker you should go for. Also, check the dimensions of your loads and compare the dimensions of the stacker for compatibility. 

• Types of Stackers 

Get, not so detailed, but brief information about the types of stackers available in the market. For instance, there are pallet stackers, counterbalance stackers, reach stackers, etc. Each variant has its own unique ability and functioning with respect to the specific material handling operations. 

• Evaluate Floor Space 

Although Stackers are easy to maneuver in confined spaces. You should consider assessing the dimensions of your facility so that the stacker you hire can easily be operated without causing obstructions. 

• Power Source 

There are manual stackers, electric stackers, and gas-powered stackers. Thoroughly get briefed about them and identify which will be suitable for your facility. Electric stackers are for indoor use, offering zero emissions and quiet operations. Whereas, gas-powered stackers are built for outdoor operations. 

• Load Capacity 

Make sure that the stacker you choose has more than the needed load capacity. This ensures productivity, efficiency, durability, safety, and long lifespan of the equipment, working below its full capacity. 

• Maximum Lift Height 

Identify the stacker’s maximum lift height needed for the operations. You must choose a stacker that has more than the needed lift height to meet the requirements with efficiency. 

• Maintenance Requirements 

Assess the maintenance requirement of the stacker you choose, including the downtime, service intervals, and ease of maintenance. Moreover, also make sure that the spare parts of the model you choose are readily available in the market. 

• Budget 

Finally, considering your budget is crucial to be profitable in business. Compare the prices of different brands and the dealers. It is essential to choose a stacker that meets the requirements of your material handling operations, but it is also important that it is first under your budgetary constraints.