What's the Deal with Straddles Anyways?

The internal combustion counterbalance forklift is one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in the material handling industry and is what most people picture when they think about a lift truck.  Yet, in more confined narrow aisle applications, standard forklifts are too cumbersome and bulky to move goods and materials in a safe and efficient manner.  

In these constrictive work environments, narrow aisle alternatives to traditional forklifts are favored for their compact and maneuverable designs.  The improved maneuverability of these models – most notably straddle stackers and reach trucks – is often achieved by replacing the ponderous counterweights used in most forklifts with a set of stabilizing outriggers.  

These outriggers, widely known as straddle legs, extend from the front of the machine to prevent it from tipping forward while lifting a load.  This, in turn, substantially reduces the amount of clearance required to operate these units, making them an ideal fit for narrow aisle applications.

Manufacturers have taken full advantage of the straddled design since its introduction in the early 1950's, leading to its widespread use and popularity throughout the material handling industry.  Since then, countless models have incorporated the straddled design, with each new model addressing a new area of need, work environment or application.  With such a large number of possible variations, determining what type of stacker is best suited for your needs can be a difficult process unless you are familiar with what’s available on the market.  Taking that into consideration, we’ve created a list of the basic types of straddle lifts to help guide you through the selection process:

The Manual and Semi-Electric Straddle Stacker

The most straightforward option available in terms of straddled lifts, manual and semi-electric straddle stackers serve as an ideal entry point for first time buyers.  With either manual (hand or foot operated) or power assisted lift functions, these models are generally used in low-volume applications for their low-cost and ease of upkeep.  Among the most common uses of the manual or semi-electric straddle stacker is in smaller retail operations, where they avoid ergonomically unsound hand-bombing and/or save hundreds to thousands of dollars in tailgate fees whenever trailers are loaded/unloaded without the aid of a drop-down tailgate.

The Walk Behind or Ride On Straddle Stacker

The next step up in terms of complexity, cost and productivity are electric straddle stackers, which feature fully electric lift and push-pull functions, thereby reducing the possibility of repetitive strain injuries caused by strenuous pushing and pulling.  With optional fold-down platforms and greater lifting capacities, these powered units offer a big upgrade in terms of productivity, particularly in applications that involve high volumes or longer distances between loads.  Possible applications include warehousing and retail environments which require vertical stacking of products and/or materials.  

The Forkover Straddle Stacker

Although the straddle stacker was originally developed in an effort to increase storage density in warehousing applications, the straddle leg itself has since fallen victim to same concern it initially addressed.  With an increasing need to maximize available storage space, the development of the forkover straddle stacker and its interlocking fork and straddle setup eliminated the need for additional spacing in between loads to accommodate the side-mounted straddles.  When used in conjunction with bottomless skids or bins, the forkover straddle stacker allows for side-by-side stacking, and, as a result, provides an additional 6 inches (or more) of storage space per pallet and a 15% (or more) increase in horizontal storage density. 

The Counterbalanced Stacker

In contrast to the straddle stackers profiled above, the counterbalanced stacker forgoes stabilizing straddle legs in favor of a heavy counterweight.  This design eliminates the need for wider shelving and uniform pallet sizes, but also eliminates the need for a crossbar setup beneath the shelving to accommodate the straddles while picking up loads. Similar to the forkover design, the counterbalanced stacker is widely used in warehousing applications where loads are stacked side-by-side to increase storage density.   

As you can see, countless iterations of the straddle stacker exist, with models specifically suited to most applications.  If you're still confused about what type best suits your needs, or would like information on Stärke comprehensive line of straddle stackers and reach trucks, contact your local Stärke dealership or visit Stärke online for more information. 

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

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Does Manual Lift Equipment Still Fit in the Modern Workplace?

With the leaves beginning to turn and the start of the school year long since past, we’ve decided to go back to the basics with an article on the most basic forms of material handling equipment: manual or hand-powered lifts and equipment.  At this point, you may ask yourself: why devote an entire article to such a topic?  After all, few fundamental changes have occurred to the basic designs or operation of these units for over 50 years. 

It's true that despite a long history with roots dating back to the industrial revolution – or, maybe, because of it – manual material handling equipment is often glossed over in favor of more advanced, powered units.  But this lack of attention belies the importance of manual lift equipment in many industrial and retail work environments.  Should you have an occasion to visit a nearby warehouse, manufacturing facility or retail operation, I challenge you to find one without a manual lift in some form or another, whether it is a manual pallet jack, manual straddle stacker or otherwise.

This is because manual lifts are, and will continue to be, an essential part of warehousing and logistics for any number of reasons.  The first, and perhaps most important, is the simplistic yet effective manner in which they were designed to function.  Due, in large part, to the absence of complicated moving parts – such as those found in an electric motor – manual lifts do not require extensive training or maintenance to operate on a regular basis, which make them ideal introductory units for low volume applications and/or inexperienced operators.  Rather than manually move boxes, loads or equipment to avoid the additional costs associated with powered units, manual lift equipment provides a simple and effective material handling solution.

This brings us to the second reason that manual lift equipment refuses to gently fade into the background: the cost.  For operations or businesses early in their development, or for those with low volume needs, it makes little sense to make an investment in a powered lift that isn’t completely necessary.  Without sacrificing functionality or quality, manual equipment options provide a solution with low acquisition and operational costs for the lifetime of the equipment.  Beyond regular lubrication and inspections, these units require little attention in most applications and may last decades longer than their powered counterparts.  

As you can see, there are many reasons to consider using manual lift equipment but, it should be noted, a major caveat applies to any point made regarding the cost of this equipment.  Despite the lower cost of ownership, there is an opportunity cost to be considered with these units, especially for higher volume operations, where faster and more efficient electric models offer greater throughput, productivity and efficiency, all of which are directly correlated with overall profitability.  In such instances, the added productivity of an electric unit more than justify the greater costs associated with their acquisition, operation and maintenance.

If many of these points remind you of your business or operation, consider Stärke Material Handling Group for your next equipment purchase. Our offering of manual material handling equipment includes a range of manual pallet jacks, as well as a manual and semi electric straddle stackers.  We would also like to know how you view manual lift equipment?  Will it continue to have a prominent place in the workplace as we continue the process of industrial automation?  Leave a comment below and join the conversation! 

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Thank you for reading our blog. Please remember to +1, like, share, comment and follow if you enjoyed this post!