What Is a Walkie Stacker?
The walkie stacker is a piece of material handling equipment used in industrial settings. It comes in different types that are suited to specific applications.
The primary differences between the different types are how they distribute their load. Other differences include their turning radius and maximum weight. Here is a breakdown of the different types of walkie stacker.
Types
There are various types of walkie stackers and each one has its own specific use. The primary differences are how the stacker distributes its load weight. Some use front legs, others straddle and still others use counter balance weight to move and lift a load.
A straddle stacker is usually used for low to mid-level selective racking in storerooms, small warehouses and customer zone racking areas. It uses straddle legs to distribute its load weight, which allows it to get closer to a pallet walkie stacker without having to move too much space around it. Some straddle stackers also come with outrigger arms that function to further reduce the chance of the machine tipping over when lifting a heavy load. Other straddle stacker modifications include a reach carriage that can be used in narrow aisles.
Another popular type is the counterbalance walkie stacker, which uses counter balance weight to move and lift a pallet. This type of walkie stacker can operate in smaller aisles than the straddle and reaches stackers because it doesn’t have straddle legs outside its body. It can also handle two pallets at the same time and is ideal for applications that require both transportation and pallet stacking. Finally, there is the ride on walkie stacker, which includes a platform and specialised controls that allow the operator to ride directly on the unit. This type requires certification and must be operated by someone with a forklift licence.
Benefits
A walkie stacker is a great option for warehouses and store rooms. They are simple to operate and don’t require a licence to drive, unlike a traditional forklift truck.
Depending on the type of stacker, they can be used in a range of applications from transporting to stacking pallets and lifting them to different heights. Some types of walkie stacker can even move two pallets at once like the reach type.
There are several benefits of using a webbing sling manufacturer walkie stacker including that they have a low upfront cost and minimal running costs as they run on electricity. They are also environmentally friendly and don’t emit any pollution or fumes like machinery that runs on diesel, LPG or petrol.
Toyota’s AC-powered walkie stackers offer a variety of features such as high visibility masts, easy access service covers and top safety features. Our electric stackers also boast superior maneuverability thanks to their compact size and great operator visibility.
Alternatively, there are ride on walkie stackers which feature a platform and specialised controls for the operator to sit on. This type of walkie stacker requires a forklift licence to operate and can have higher lift heights than the standard walk behind units. They are also well suited for loading trailers, utility vehicles and trucks.
Safety
Walkie stackers are easy to maneuver and can be used in tight spaces. They do not require a forklift licence and are available in both electric or manual models. They also don’t emit fumes or noise and are environmentally friendly. Since they don’t run on diesel, LPG or petrol they are also pollution-free.
The key difference between the different stacker types is how they distribute the load. Standard walkie stackers use legs that sit under the forks to distribute weight and allow them to lift and transport two pallets at a time. They also have the smallest turning circle among the different types of walk behind stackers. However, their legs prevent them from lifting bottomless pallets or containers. They are best suited for medium-level racking equipment with lift heights of up to 1,845mm.
The counter-balance walkie stacker uses a system of counter balance weight to distribute the load. This allows them to fit into narrow aisles more easily than standard walkie stackers that have front legs protruding from the sides of the unit. It is able to lift standard and bottomless pallets and containers, but is limited in what it can straddle due to its counter-balance design. It is ideal for applications where the stacker needs to be able to straddle as well as transport and lift.
Maintenance
The versatility of the Toyota walkie stacker makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications. Using adjustable baselegs to fit a wide range of pallet sizes and aisle widths, the machine is able to straddle or drive up to racking bottom beam supports. It is especially useful in low to mid-level selective racking applications and customer zone warehouses.
Because they operate at walking speed, walkies can save line workers and shipping staff time by eliminating the wait for a ride-on truck to move a load. Additionally, they weigh about half as much as a comparable ride-on lift truck and therefore cause less stress on major components. This helps to keep maintenance costs lower. Service technicians also benefit from the stackers easy access to motor components, which cuts down on servicing time.