With the logistics industry booming in China, the selection of logistics equipment and the design of logistics solutions have become two major focal points within the sector. As more logistics parks, distribution centers, and warehouses are established, selecting cost-effective logistics equipment has become a practical issue that requires immediate consideration.
Let us first look at the industry definition of a "stacker" (or high-lift truck): it refers to a type of wheeled material-handling vehicle-classified as an industrial vehicle-used for loading, unloading, lifting, stacking, and short-distance transport of palletized goods. It is an essential piece of equipment for high-rack warehouses and pallet-based logistics facilities. These vehicles go by various names in the industry, such as stackers, high-lift trucks, or lifting trucks. They are categorized by their power source into manual stackers and electric stackers. Within the electric category, two types sell particularly well in the domestic market: semi-electric stackers and fully electric stackers. There is also a larger class of electric forklifts-essentially internal combustion forklifts converted to battery power-which are considered medium-sized electric stackers; in contrast, the manual, semi-electric, and fully electric stackers discussed here are classified as small-sized stackers.
Mast Steel Specifications for Manual Stackers
The choice of steel for a manual stacker's mast is directly related to its load capacity. Typically, a 1-ton model uses No. 10 I-beam steel; a 1.5-ton model uses No. 12 I-beam steel; a 2-ton model uses No. 12 or No. 14 I-beam steel; a 2.5-ton model uses No. 14 I-beam steel; a 3-ton model uses No. 16 I-beam steel; a 4-ton model uses No. 18 I-beam steel; and a 5-ton model uses No. 20 I-beam steel.
Hydraulic Cylinder Configuration for Manual Stackers
Generally, models with a lifting height of 2.5 meters or more feature a single-cylinder design. Mast Configuration for Manual Stackers
Generally, models with a lifting height of under 2.5 meters feature a single-cylinder design, while those with a lifting height of 2.5 meters or more utilize a dual-mast design.
Lifting Cylinders for Fully Electric Stackers
Models with a lifting height of 1.6 meters typically use a single cylinder-meaning the lifting carriage is supported by one cylinder to raise and lower the forks. Electric stackers with lifting heights exceeding 1.6 meters generally employ a dual-cylinder setup, with one lifting cylinder positioned on each side of the forks.
Mast Configuration for Fully Electric Stackers
Most fully electric stackers with lifting heights above 1.6 meters feature a dual-mast design; the 1.6-meter model is the only one that utilizes a single-mast design.
Battery Configuration for Fully Electric Stackers
For fully electric stackers, the standard battery configuration is 100Ah for 1.6-meter lifting models and 115Ah for models with lifting heights ranging from 2 to 4 meters.
When selecting a stacker, factors such as the lowered fork height, load capacity, and lifting height go without saying-customers usually pay attention to these. Today, I would like to discuss some issues that customers often overlook.
The stacker's operating space must align with its specifications, such as turning radius and operating radius. The turning radius is a particularly important factor that customers frequently overlook, though it is something industry sales professionals always consider when making recommendations. Additionally, customers should consider ease of maintenance and repair; since most companies lack dedicated maintenance personnel, a stacker that is easy to service and maintain offers better overall value.
