Banning wood from production, a hot item when we talk about hygiene. But how do we deal with the correct transfer of an overload of incoming goods?
Why stack pallets
First of all, replacing wooden pallets with plastic or aluminium pallets is not the only reason for transferring goods from one pallet to another. There are many other reasons why a company needs to stack pallets.
A pallet may be damaged, as a result of which it is advisable to stack the goods on a new pallet. After all, damaged pallets in the racks create an unsafe situation. But of course it is also inappropriate to send these damaged pallets to customers.
Companies may choose to replace incoming disposable pallets with internal standard pallets, in order to better fit the logistics system in which the company operates.
Not only the pallet, but also the goods at the bottom of the pallet can be damaged by the forks of the forklift truck. This is particularly the case for producers whose end products are packed in bags. The bag should be replaced because otherwise the goods will be unstable. The bag can only be replaced when all the goods have been transferred to another pallet.
Stacking pallets with attention to ergonomics and efficiency
So stacking pallets is one thing. Finding the most ergonomic and efficient way to do so is another.
To begin with, manual transfer is virtually impossible. Suppose an operator only has to stack a limited number of 10 pallets per week. At first sight, this seems a limited volume. But with a weight of 1000 kg, it means that the operator has let 10 tonnes pass through his hands that week. The risk of injuries and downtime is very real. So unless only a few pallets a year are involved, manual pallet stacking is not recommended, both in terms of ergonomics and efficiency.
An intermediate solution may be a multifunctional vacuum lifter. This vacuum lifter can be used for various things and could ensure that stacking is done in an ergonomic way.
Considering a pallet tipper: Points of attention
But if you really want to do the stacking in a jiffy, it is better to look out for a pallet tipper . But what should you look for when considering a pallet tipper? Because there are different types of pallet inverters on the market, each with their own specific characteristics.
First of all, it is important to look at the product you want to switch and how it is packaged. Is it bagged? Or boxes? Perhaps a mixture of both? Or another product such as drums? The product will determine which version is eventually offered.
180° pallet turner
If bags are involved, then a 180° pallet tipper is the only good solution. The operator places the load in the machine, turns it 180° and can then change the pallet with a forklift. If bags are only tilted 90° or 95°, we risk them collapsing and the "overhang" on one side of the pallet becoming too great.
There are also several options in the 180° version. The next step is to determine the height of the loads to be considered for tilting. Here not only the maximum height plays a role, the minimum height is at least as important. After all, the difference between the two determines the clamping range the cylinders must be able to handle. If both very high and very small pallets are to be turned, a pallet tilter with 2 moving clamping tables is a more appropriate option. and thus the load always rotates in the center, preventing any overload on the motor.
If the range between maximum and minimum is limited, the investment price can be reduced by using a pallet tipper with a single moving clamping table. If, for example, the company only stacks full pallets between 1500 and 2100 mm, this version will be more than sufficient.
How do we want to load the pallet tipper?
Please note that the pallet tilter with one moving clamping table does not reach the ground and therefore always needs to be loaded by forklift truck or stacker. So be sure to consider the use of forklift trucks in this environment, as this also plays an important role in the final choice.
95° pallet changer
When it comes to boxes or well-wound loads, a 95° pallet changer can also be considered.
This machine is also often used to remove spacers after a pallet has been taken out of the freezer.
Acquisition possibilities
Are you still unsure which type is best for you? Or do you think it will be more difficult budget-wise to get the tipper through the purchase process? You can also ask about our rental options. Logitrans rents pallet inverters both short-term and long-term. A purchase option gives you the opportunity to purchase or not purchase the machine at the end.
