What is a walkie stacker?

12 Aug What is a walkie stacker?

Sometimes, the project at hand doesn’t necessarily require heavy machinery to get the job done safely and efficiently. For these cases, you may wish to consider using a walkie stacker. This is one tool that should be in every warehouse as it provides many benefits to the user.

Not sure what a walkie stacker is? Find all the information you need right here. We’ll explore what they are used for and why they might make a great fit for your operation.

So, what is a walkie stacker?

As the name suggests, a walkie stacker is a walk-behind pallet truck that is manually operated. However, not to be too confusing, they can also be power-operated and ridden on. Its main purpose is to lift pallets to heights. When forklifts are not needed, walkie stackers are the perfect alternative as they are ideal for small capacity items and when required for less than 5 hours a day.

Walkie stackers are mostly deployed in small warehouses, narrow storerooms and specialised warehouse sections. Because they have small wheels, they are more suited to indoor use and on concreted flat floors. Keep in mind that they can be ordered with bigger wheels for special requirements.

Types of walkie stackers

There are various types of walkie stackers and they have different uses. The main difference between each type of walkie stacker is how they distribute the load.

1. Walkie Straddle Stacker

The most common type of walkie stacker in Australia, they are used in store rooms, small warehouses or custom zone racking areas. To distribute load weight, straddle legs are used. Lifting heights start at 2642mm and go up to 4826mm.

2. Walkie Reach Stacker

A walkie reach stacker is fitted with a pantographic scissor mast, which moves the mast away from the body of the stacker. Used for loading trailers, utility vehicles and trucks, their lifting heights start at 2565mm and go up to 4547mm.

3. Ride on Walkie Stackers

Ride on walkie stackers feature a platform and specialised controls for the operator to sit on. Keep in mind that the operator will need a forklift licence to operate this machinery. Their lifting height is from 1845mm to 4255mm.

4. Counterbalanced Walkie Stacker

Counterbalanced walkie stackers are best used in narrow aisles and can lift standard pallets. They can lift to heights from 2642mm to 5817mm.

5. Standard Walkie Stacker

With the ability to lift and handle two pallets at a time, they’re ideal for applications that require transportation and stacking of pallets. However, they are only able to lift bottomless pallets. Lifting height is similar to ride-on walkie stackers at 1845mm to 4255mm.

Benefits of walkie stackers

• Walkie stackers make no noise when in operation, and do not release exhaust pollution – making them ideal for indoor use
• Due to their smaller size in comparison to forklifts, operators can handle loads with better visibility 
• Their compact size makes them easy to maneuver and handle pallets in storerooms and smaller specialised warehouse sections
• In comparison to other materials handling equipment, walkie stackers have lower operating costs on an ongoing basis, as well as a lower upfront cost
• Unless walkie stackers are a ride on, operators do not need a forklift license to operate it
• As they require lower energy to operate, they generate lesser carbon emissions

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Get in touch with our friendly team at Triwest to rent or buy forklifts that are up to any warehouse challenge. Call us on 1800 874 937 or complete a contact form now.