Used stackers with initial lift—is it the right choice?
When you're looking for a used stackers You'll quickly come across the model with the initial lift feature. This feature makes the stacker significantly more versatile in day-to-day operations.
In short, the "initial lift" feature allows you to raise the forklift's outriggers a couple of centimeters off the ground, completely independently of the mast and forks.
A standard forklift has very low ground clearance under its support legs. This means it can easily hit or get stuck when driving over thresholds, up loading ramps, or across the joints between indoor and outdoor areas. With the initial lift, you can easily increase ground clearance and drive smoothly over all obstacles without scraping the bottom.
With the initial lift, you can transport two pallets at the same time. You lift one pallet onto the support legs (using the initial lift) and place the other pallet on top using the standard forks. This saves you a lot of time and cuts the number of trips in half when, for example, unloading or loading a truck.
If you have a warehouse with elevation differences, thresholds, or loading docks—or if you simply want to streamline your pallet handling—a used stacker with an initial lift is an extremely smart and affordable investment.
Stackers with or without a Mast: Here's What You Should Keep in Mind
The choice between a stacker with or without a mast is usually the deciding factor in determining what the truck will actually be used for in day-to-day operations. Although both are commonly referred to as “forklifts,” they have two completely different applications.
A stacker equipped with a mast is the right choice if you need to make use of the height of your facility—whether you’re stacking pallets on top of each other, placing goods on pallet racks, or lifting materials onto a workbench or mezzanine. The mast allows you to work vertically and maximize your storage space, but it also requires that you be aware of ceiling heights and ports in the facility.
A mastless stacker—often referred to as an electric low-lift pallet jack—lifts the pallet just a few centimeters off the floor to expose it. This model is perfect if your needs involve only horizontal movement. This might be when you’re loading and unloading trucks, moving goods between different stations in a production line, or restocking merchandise in a store. Since it lacks a mast, it is significantly lighter, more compact, and provides the operator with a completely unobstructed view straight ahead.
If you’re just moving pallets from point A to point B at floor level, a nimble mastless model will work perfectly for you. But as soon as you need to make use of the height and stack items on top of each other or in racks, you’ll need to choose an articulated stacker with a mast.
The Benefits of a Platform and Side Guards on a Used Stacker
If you work in a warehouse where goods need to be moved over long distances, a standard walkie forklift can quickly become both time-consuming and tiring for the operator. It is in these situations that stackers equipped with a fold-down operator platform and side guards make a huge difference in day-to-day operations.
On a standard walkie stacker, the speed is always limited to normal walking speed for safety reasons, which is usually around four to six kilometers per hour. However, when you lower the platform and extend the side guards, the forklift’s safety system unlocks a higher speed. This allows you to move much faster across larger warehouse areas and saves a tremendous amount of time over the course of a full workday.
In addition to speed, the biggest benefit is the improved work environment. Walking tens of thousands of steps every day on a hard concrete floor takes a heavy toll on the knees, feet, and back. By allowing the operator to ride on the cushioned platform, you reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and maintain stamina and efficiency throughout the shift.
If you have transport routes in your warehouse that are longer than ten to fifteen meters, a used stacker with a ride-on platform and side guards is an extremely smart investment for both productivity and employee health.
Checklist: 5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Stacker
- Map out the driving distances: Does the driver have to walk back and forth all day? If the transport distance exceeds 10–15 meters, a loading ramp saves both time and the driver’s knees.
- Check the flooring and thresholds: Are there any differences in level, ramp angles, or joints between the outdoor and indoor environments? If so, select the initial lift to prevent the truck from getting stuck.
- Measure the maximum height in the room and ports: If you need a mast, check both the maximum lifting height of the pallet racks and the minimum door height to ensure that the mast can move freely.
- Estimate the handling volume: Do you need to streamline your loading and unloading processes? With the initial lift, you can double-load and move two pallets in a single trip.
- Assess the space: Are the warehouse aisles crowded? A mastless low-lift truck is significantly more compact and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
We at Relevator helps you find the right one used forklifts for your business—secure, seamless, and with the right specifications from the start.