If you have a storage area in which you want to install pallet racking, you need to get your dimensions right and design the pallet racking for the electric pallet stacker correctly. This calculator and guide will help you. Of course, online calculators are fun, but you should still check with us to discuss the best storage design to work with your electric pallet stacker.
Calculate the number of pallets you can store in your storage area using an electric stacker
Use this calculator by entering in the data in each the data input boxes below. Compare two scenarios to test different storage designs.
Pallet Rack Calculator for Electric Stackers
This pallet rack calculator will estimate as close as possible the number of pallets you can store, the height of each beam level, and number of racking components you will need.
When designing a pallet storage warehouse that will use an electric stacker, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some key things to consider:
Things to consider when designing pallet racking for an electric pallet stacker
- Dimensions of the pallets: You need to know the length and width of the pallet. Electric stackers straddle the width of the palletized load, so you will need to have an electric stacker that has a wide enough baseleg opening.
- Height of the pallet: You will need to know the height of the palletized load. This will allow you know to calculate the height of the first beam level and each subsequent beam levels.
- Lift off: You will need to know how much space you need to lift the pallet off the ground or the beam level to take it off the level for removal.
- Beam dimensions: You will need to know how tall the face of the beam is.
- Baseplate widths: You need to know how wide the baseplate is so that you can calculate a long enough beam to keep the baselegs away from the anchors.
- Staddle baseleg widths: You will need to know how wide the baselegs are. Remember, you need enough space for three baselegs per bay of racking (2 pallets wide).
- Upright column widths: You need to know how wide the column is – usually 3″ or 4″.
- Length of the storage area: To calculate the length of the row of racking, you will need to how long the pallet storage area is.
- Lift heights: You need to know lift height of electric stacker to be sure it has adequate forkl elevation to lift a pallet off of the top load beam.
- Load capacity of the electric stacker: You will also need to know the load capacity of the electric stacker. This will determine the maximum weight of the pallets that can be stored and moved in the warehouse.
- Storage density requirements: The next thing you need to consider is the storage density required. This will determine the height of the storage racks and the aisle widths needed for the electric stacker to operate efficiently. Generally, narrow aisle racking systems are used to maximize storage density.
- Floor surface: The floor surface of the warehouse should be flat and even to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the electric stacker. Uneven surfaces can cause instability and damage to the equipment.
- Lighting and ventilation: Adequate lighting and ventilation are important for the safety and productivity of workers using the electric pallet stacker equipment.
- Power supply: You will also need to ensure that the warehouse has adequate power supply to support the electric stacker and any other equipment that will be used in the warehouse. Usually, you will need 110v single phase power for the charger.
- Safety features: Finally, you should ensure that the electric stacker has appropriate safety features such as emergency stop buttons, backup alarms, and warning lights to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, training programs should be implemented for the safe operation of the electric stacker.
Design a storage area for a reach truck using the straddle method
You can also use this calculator to calculate the correct beam length for a reach truck application using the straddle method. The principles are the same. The difference is that Reach trucks have wide baseleg straddle arms. The can also lift higher in the area.
The downside to reach truck is they are bigger, need a wider aisle, are much more expensive, and require a drivers license in many jurisdictions to operate.