Buying Guide of the Week: Mobile Lift Equipment & Stackers
Do operators need forklift training for a battery stacker?
Yes. OSHA 1910.178 covers motorized hand trucks, so a battery-powered stacker is a powered industrial truck. Operators need training and evaluation before use, plus a re-evaluation at least every three years. A fully manual stacker is not covered.
Why can't my 3,000 lb stacker lift 3,000 lbs?
Capacity is rated at a set load center, usually 24 inches. A 72-inch deep load moves the center out to 36 inches and drops that 3,000 lb rating to about 2,000 lbs.
Do I need powered lift or a fully powered stacker?
For most buyers, powered lift with manual push is the best value. Pumping a hydraulic handle all shift is what wears people out, not pushing the machine.
Why can't my pallet truck pick up this skid?
Skids sit flat on the floor with no openings for forks. You need a skid lift.
The full guide also covers straddle vs fork-over vs counterbalance bases, capacity at full lift height, self-leveling carts, and lead-acid vs lithium batteries.
Read the full Mobile Lift Equipment & Stackers Buying Guide
Include the guide’s line that powered industrial truck operation, including training and evaluation, is governed by OSHA 1910.178 in full, and that capacity should be confirmed on the machine’s data plate at your actual load center.