Being a warehouse owner, you've to deal with different types of pallets or loads. This necessitates you to opt for a pallet stacker, a safer option than traditional forklifts that caused 73 work-related deaths in 2022. There are two types that you'll find in the market: a straddle leg pallet stacker and a fixed leg pallet stacker. You must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option carefully before making a purchase. 

This article is your complete guide to straddle leg and fixed leg pallet stackers, along with their key differences. Let's dig in!

What is a Straddle Leg Pallet Stacker?

Typically, a straddle leg pallet stacker has adjustable legs that can easily straddle a load or pallet. These pallet stackers can be electric or manual and are suitable in warehouses where you've to deal with different pallet sizes and configurations.

What is a Fixed Leg Pallet Stacker?

Fixed leg pallet stackers, as the name suggests, have legs that are fixed in a certain position or width and don't straddle the load. This design provides a stable base for carrying loads but may have limitations in handling different sizes of pallets.

Key Differences

Now let's discuss the key differences between straddle leg pallet stackers and fixed leg pallet stackers:

Versatility

Straddle leg pallet stackers are known for their high versatility. These stackers feature adjustable legs that can be easily set to any width. This enables them to straddle different types of pallets, including those with closed bottoms, which makes them suitable for handling diverse inventory. 

Fixed leg pallet stackers, on the other hand, have a predetermined width. Their legs aren't adjustable, making them suitable for only open pallets. Fixed stackers commonly find applications in warehouses with standardized pallet dimensions. 

Height 

Straddle leg pallet stackers have adjustable heights and can easily reach higher elevations. This makes them suitable for stacking pallets in tall racking systems or multi-level storage facilities. Fixed electric pallet stackers, contrarily, don't have the same adjustable heights and work best in a lower stacking environment. 

Cost 

Straddle leg stackers are more expensive up front, attributing to their unique design and features, such as the ability to handle various pallets and adjustable height. Contrarily, fixed stackers lack these essential features and have a straightforward design that makes them cost-effective. So, businesses with a low budget can opt for a fixed pallet stacker. 

Maintenance 

Straddle leg pallet stackers require more maintenance due to their many moving parts, like adjustable legs, forks, or platforms. In contrast, fixed stackers don't have movable legs, which translates to lower maintenance requirements. 

However, it's important to maintain both types regularly for prolonged use. Some tips that can help are:

• Keep an eye on wear and tear; if any part of the stacker looks damaged, quickly replace it for maximum efficiency.
• Clean and dry the pallet stacker promptly to avoid dust and rust accumulation.
• Use the pallet stacker in the best way by ensuring optimal stacker height and avoiding overloading. 

Conclusion 

In straddle leg pallet stackers vs fixed leg pallet stackers, the choice of which one to choose depends upon your applications. The former option is good if you deal with pallets of different sizes and heights, while the latter is viable when you deal with predetermined pallet sizes and have a low budget. Both pallet stackers are also available in manual and electric versions, so pick the one that best suits your needs.