What is the difference between a fork over stacker and a straddle stacker?

What is the Difference between a Fork Over Stacker and a Straddle Stacker?

When it comes to material handling equipment, there are various types of stackers available in the market to suit different needs. Two common types of stackers that are often used in warehouses and factories are the fork over stacker and the straddle stacker. While both have their unique features and uses, there are key differences between the two that one should be aware of. In this article, we will explore these differences to help you better understand which type of stacker would be most suitable for your specific requirements.

Fork Over Stacker.

A fork over stacker is a type of lift truck that is designed to pick up pallets or skids from the side rather than from the front or rear like a traditional forklift. It is commonly used in facilities where bottom boards or pallets are not present, allowing the forks to slide underneath the load easily. This type of stacker is typically used when you need to transport and stack loads that are undersized or oversized for standard fork pockets found in forklifts.

One of the major benefits of a fork over stacker is its ability to handle a wide range of loads, including those with special or irregular dimensions. It provides users with greater flexibility in terms of the types of products that can be transported and stacked. Moreover, this type of stacker is highly maneuverable and offers excellent visibility for the operator, making it suitable for use in tight spaces.

Straddle Stacker.

A straddle stacker, as the name suggests, is a stacker that features legs that straddle the load, allowing it to pick up and transport pallets from the sides. Unlike the fork over stacker, the straddle stacker is designed to handle loads with bottom boards or pallets. It is commonly used in warehouses where palletized loads need to be moved efficiently and quickly.

The primary advantage of a straddle stacker is its stability and lifting capacity. The straddle legs provide additional support and stability when lifting heavy loads, ensuring safe and secure handling. Additionally, the straddle stacker is equipped with adjustable forks, allowing it to accommodate different pallet or skid widths. This feature makes it highly versatile and suitable for use in a variety of applications.

Differences between Fork Over Stacker and Straddle Stacker.

Load Accessibility: The key difference between the fork over stacker and the straddle stacker is the way they pick up loads. The fork over stacker picks up loads from the side without the need for bottom boards or pallets, making it suitable for handling irregular or specialized loads. On the other hand, the straddle stacker requires bottom boards or pallets to lift and transport loads.

Stability and Lifting Capacity: The straddle stacker offers enhanced stability and lifting capacity due to the support provided by its straddle legs. This makes it ideal for lifting heavier loads, while the fork over stacker is better suited for smaller loads.

Versatility: While both types of stackers are versatile in their own right, the fork over stacker is better suited for internal transportation in confined spaces due to its maneuverability, while the straddle stacker offers greater flexibility in terms of load dimensions and pallet sizes.

In conclusion, choosing between a fork over stacker and a straddle stacker largely depends on the specific requirements of your material handling operations. If you often work with irregularly shaped loads or need maneuverability in tight spaces, a fork over stacker may be the ideal choice. However, if you require enhanced stability, lifting capacity, and the ability to handle standard pallets efficiently, a straddle stacker would be more suitable.

For more information on fork over stackers, straddle stackers, or any other material handling equipment, please contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you in finding the right solution for your needs.

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