Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets, usually designed from virgin polyethylene, are a good choice for pharmaceutical or food transport. These pallets come in configurations that can be rackable - it's a good idea to check with the manufacturer for more information on rackable pallets.
Also, if you intend to use a pallet truck, check with the manufacturer with regard to purchasing the proper pallet--plastic pallet configurations may not be compatible with a pallet truck. Many plastic pallets come rated at 4,000 pounds, but be aware this is the 'uniform supported capacity' and these pallets may not support a large amount of concentrated weight centered in one particular spot on the pallet. Even distribution of the weight is key, as with many such pallets.
Pallet Inverter Safety
Pallet inverters, like any machine with moving parts, rotation and other features, need to be properly safeguarded. You will need to dedicate the proper amount of floor space to allow both rotation of the pallet inverter and the appropriate safety barricade or fence which should be placed around the machine.
Pallet inversion can take up to 40 seconds or more depending on the model and product load.? If you are running an automated system, remember to take the rotation time into account.
Remember that irregular pallet loads may not invert as well as a uniform load. Some irregular products may still need to be transferred by hand depending on the skill of the pallet loading crew and the size and shapes of the objects.
Do I REALLY Need a Pallet Inverter? Your Workers Would Say Yes.
A pallet inverter allows the operator to rotate in order to make a pallet exchange--a wood pallet for a plastic version, etc. This is especially handy for replacing damaged pallets.
The price tag on a pallet inverter may make a potential buyer wonder why the process can't be done by hand in order to save a little money.?But, what budget makers often forget is the human workload factor involved in unloading an entire pallet by hand, replacing a worn, damaged or unsuitable pallet with a good one, then replacing the entire contents of the pallet again.
Before you pass on the purchase of a pallet inverter, ask yourself if your company can afford to dedicate so much time to this process. In an age where costs must often be cut by reducing manpower, does your company have the bodies to spare to do these manual tasks? A pallet inverter is one-time investment that can save much in terms of labor.
The "Low Profile" truck
There will be times when you need a?solution that allows you to move the pallet from its location in a tight corner, crowded cargo area or other tricky situation. A low profile pallet truck can enter a pallet from any one of the four sides and travels at 1-7/8 of an inch off the ground. If you need a 'low rider' pallet truck, this is the model for you. This pallet truck is advertised with 'lifetime" lubricated bearings and heavy duty thrust bearings.
If you need the versatility, the low profile pallet truck is definitely a good purchase. They are rated at 4,000 pounds and come with spacing between forks starting at 6 inches and going up to 19 inches.
Who Needs a Pallet Inverter?
There are many reasons to consider the purchase of a pallet inverter. Anyone in food manufacturing will appreciate the need for a speedy replacement of wooden pallets for plastic or steel.
Clean-floor standards are strict and the presence of a wooden pallet may compromise your cleanliness. By eliminating all wooden pallets from your processing area by replacing them with the help of a pallet inverter, you reduce the risk of introducing contamination, dirt and other problems.
Those who must routinely identify defective pallets and pallet loads will also want a way to quickly replace a bad pallet. Even people who routinely square up or straighten up a pallet load will appreciate the speed and effectiveness of a pallet inverter.
Pallets--A Wide Variety Of Uses and Configurations
Many people think of the traditional wood pallets first, but there are a large range of pallet choices to consider for your operation. Drum pallets, plastic pallets and aluminum pallets are excellent choices depending on the task at hand.
Drum pallets in particular can include a configuration called a 'spill pallet' which do exactly what the name implies; they are built to contain leaks and spills. These pallets are designed with heavy duty, spill-resistant polyethlyene.
These are "better safe than sorry" models which can be a big help in transport should a leak occur. It is far better to decontaminate the spill pallet than an entire truck or warehouse floor surface.
The "Scale Truck"
Some pallet trucks come equipped with an electronic scale for easy, on the spot weight checks. If you are loading an aircraft cargo bay or other weight sensitive area, this is a valuable tool for determining the individual and total weight of your cargo.
Pallet trucks equipped with the electronic scale are good for low-height lifting and come with helpful features including compensation for vibration and motion to insure accurate readings. If you are in need of accurate weight calculations for your shipping operations, this may be a very good investment.
At first you may not feel this is a vital part of your operation, but if you routinely deal with weight issues as part of either loading or unloading?you may wish to give a second look to these pallet trucks. You will remove the guesswork out of your storage solutions by knowing exactly how much weight you have in a given area or on a particular rack.
Pallet Trucks
Pallet equipment includes something called the full featured pallet truck. This means the truck is equipped with two steering wheels in the rear where the handle/steering mechanism is located, plus two rollers in the front to assist with loading.
This particular type of pallet equipment is most helpful as it comes in models rated for as much as six thousand pounds. Some models come with steel wheels and others with nylon; check the product specs if you need one particular type over another. The rollers in the front are particularly helpful as they can ease the loading process for heavy pallets.
If you need pallet trucks for corrosive or sanity situations, you may wish to ask the manufacturer for a full featured pallet truck in a zinc, galvanized, or chrome plated model.