The Benefits of a Walkie Stacker
Walkie stackers are great for transporting items that would be difficult, dangerous or time-consuming for your staff to move manually. They also help increase warehouse capacity by reducing manual handling.
They are smaller than forklifts and operate more easily. Except for the ride-on walkie stacker, operators do not need certification to operate these machines.
Compact Turns
A walkie stacker is a small machine that is easy to maneuver and can operate in tight spaces. This makes it ideal for transporting goods over short distances and stacking walkie stacker pallets when a standard forklift isn’t needed. These machines are typically used in storerooms, small warehouses and specialized warehousing sections of a facility. Additionally, they require less maintenance and can save your business money on fuel costs. Because these vehicles are smaller than most materials handling equipment, they can offer better visibility for the operator.
There are several types of walkie stackers, each designed for a specific application. The major difference between different models is how they distribute loads. Some use front legs, others straddle legs and still others counter-balance weights. Each type offers a unique combination of features and benefits.
For example, a straddle stacker uses legs that sit under its forks to distribute load weight and has the smallest turning circle of all walkie stackers. However, because these machines can only straddle bottomless pallets and containers, they’re best suited for mid-level racking applications.
Another popular type of walkie stacker is a reach stacker, which has a pantographic scissor mast and can maneuver loads forward, away from the body. This allows them to operate in narrow aisles and is commonly used for loading trucks, utility vehicles or trailers. This truck has the highest lifting heights of all walkie stackers, starting at 2000mm and extending to 6460mm.
Safety
Walkie stackers operate on electricity, so they don’t produce harmful fumes and are eco-friendly. They also have fewer moving parts and don’t emit the same exhaust as machinery that runs on diesel, LPG or petrol. They are also smaller in size, allowing them to get into confined spaces that standard forklifts struggle to maneuver. This makes them suitable for use in small warehouses, storerooms and compact warehouses.
Another benefit of a walkie stacker is its superior safety features. While ride-on lift trucks can pose a risk to pedestrians due to their speed, size and obstructed lines of sight, walkie stackers have precise controls that allow operators to maneuver around obstacles. They also require minimal effort to operate, which reduces fatigue for operators and ensures their wellbeing.
In addition, a walkie stacker’s small wheels and counterbalance weights allow it to fit in narrow aisles without needing to adjust the position of its straddle legs like a walker straddle stacker. This type of stacker is primarily used in confined indoor areas and can be powered by electricity or propane. For added security, they have a password protection feature that allows managers to restrict operation to only trained operators. This adds a layer of accountability and helps prevent accidental use by unauthorized personnel. Additionally, Toyota walkie stackers have adjustable seat heights and easy-to-reach controls for optimal operator comfort.
Versatility
In a warehouse or storage area, it’s vital to have the right type of machinery that can help you move materials faster. That’s where a walkie stacker comes in handy. These machines are great for a number of applications, including loading and unloading trucks, cold storage areas, small warehouses and bulk storage units. They also work well in machine shops. And, unlike forklifts, they don’t require a licence to operate.
There are several different types of walkie stackers, ranging from standard to counterbalanced. The main difference is how they distribute their load weight. For example, counterbalance walkie stackers have legs that are located under the forks to distribute their weight. This allows them to lift two pallets at once, making them ideal for transporting and stacking. Additionally, they have the smallest turning radius of all walkie stacker types.
Other walkie stackers have straddle legs to assist in distributing their load weight. These units are best for low to mid-level selective racking in storerooms and warehouses. They can fit in narrow aisles as they have no legs protruding out of them, unlike other walkie stackers. Also, straddle stackers are not designed to lift bottomless pallets or skids. For that reason, they are primarily used in customer zone racking areas. They are also electronically operated which means they don’t emit any harmful fumes like machinery powered by diesel, LPG or petrol.
Maintenance
A walkie stacker is smaller and lighter than a forklift, making it easier to maneuver. Its low upfront cost and minimal running costs are also appealing. Battery electric models have a lower ongoing operating cost than diesel, LPG or petrol.
Whether you opt for manual or powered, a Toyota walkie stacker offers multiple safety features that help to reduce the risk of injury to operators and damage to products. Keyless entry and password protection limit access to only authorised operators, which helps to maintain accountability and safety standards. Toyota’s walkie stackers also include a customized operation profile, which can be configured to match your warehouse’s requirements. This can include a slower operation speed, which allows new operators to build up their capabilities over time.
With the ability to lift and stack pallets up to 2,500 pounds, walkie stackers can fit needs in environments where a forklift is not necessary. This makes them well suited to storerooms, small warehouses and specialized warehousing areas. Their thoughtful design also means they require less maintenance than forklifts, which can help walkie stacker to save on repair costs and downtime. The frequency of walkie stacker maintenance depends on factors such as the machine’s age and how often it is used. Having an equipment inspection plan that includes routine services and periodic replacement parts can help to minimise downtime.