Southern States Blog

How to Choose the Best Walkie Stacker for Your Warehouse

Written by Adam Gavrun | Nov 9, 2022 4:00:00 PM

If you run a warehouse, you know the importance of using your space wisely.

Pallet stackers are great for smaller, more narrow spaces where traditional forklifts would be too cumbersome. They’re also superior to pallet jacks in that you can move material vertically as well as horizontally, allowing you to load and unload at heights.

As with most material handling equipment, different models of stackers are designed to do different things. 

Our goal is to help you understand the best options available so you can choose the right stacker for your needs.

But first, we’ll answer one simple question.

Why Walkie Stackers?

Technically considered Class III lift trucks by OSHA (alongside electric pallet jacks and tow lifters), stackers are a budget-friendly, space-friendly alternative to full-sized, ride-on forklifts.

 

And since they’re usually a fraction of the price of a regular forklift, you get a lot of bang for your buck. But how do you choose which stacker is right for your warehouse or storeroom?

Different Kinds of Toyota Electric Pallet Stackers

There are four types of electric pallet stackers:

  • Walkie stackers
  • Counter-balanced stackers
  • Industrial walkie stackers
  • Walkie reach truck stackers

Walkie Stackers

Mainly designed for light-duty work, walkie stackers are easy-to-use, cost-effective, and the easiest way to make short runs lifting products to second-tier racks and above.

The typical lifting capacity for walkie stackers is up to 2,500 pounds.
Toyota’s AC-powered walkie stacker boasts electric disc brakes with regenerative braking, self-diagnostics with error indicators, great ergonomics (including click-to-creep), and top safety features.

Walkie Stacker Specifications:

360-Degrees of Quality, Durability, Reliability & Value

  • 24 Volt Electrical System
  • AC Drive Motor
  • Class ‘F’ Motor Insulation
  • Transistor Drive Control System (MOSFET)
  • Controller Area Network (CAN-Bus) Communication
  • Regenerative Braking
  • 32″ to 51″ Straddle Openings Available

Ease of Service

  • One-piece High-Strength Service Cover
  • Error Indicator with Self-Diagnostics
  • Bolt-On Mast Mounting
  • Programmable Performance
  • Programmable Service Indicator
  • Battery Compartment: 27.3″L x 7.8″W x Open Height

Walkie Stacker Ergonomics

  • Multifunction Control Handle with Ergonomically-Angled Hand Grips
  • Fingertip Control of all Functions
  • Directional Thumb Wheels
  • Programmable Neutral Speed Reduction
  • Direction Reverse Switch
  • 182º Steering Arc
  • Click-to-Creep travel function

Key Safety Features

  • Walkie Stacker
  • Battery Discharge Indicator & Correction With Lift Interrupt
  • Electric Horn
  • Rugged, All-Steel Frame Construction
  • Heavy Duty Bumpers
  • Emergency Power Disconnect Switch
  • Safety Glass Mast Guard

Counter-Balanced Stackers

Counter-balanced stackers provide the perfect substitute for standard, sit-down forklifts for heavier-duty work. Unlike the walkie stacker, the counter-balanced stacker has no baselegs, making it slightly more maneuverable in tight spaces. These models have a lifting capacity of up to 4,000 pounds and a lifting height of up to 15 feet.

Toyota’s counter-balanced stackers come standard with a high-visibility mast, an easy access service cover, and the best safety features in the industry.

Counter-balanced Stacker Specifications:

360-Degrees of Quality, Durability, Reliability & Value

  • 24 Volt Electrical System
  • UL-Approved Model Type E
  • MOSFET Programmable Controller
  • 30-Inch Wide ITA Class II Hook-Type Carriage
  • SB-175 Red Connector
  • On/Off Key Switch

Ease of Service

  • Easy-Access Service Cover
  • Pressure-Overload Relief Valve and Lowering Control Fuses

Counter-balanced Stacker Ergonomics

  • Automatic Resetting Circuit Breaker
  • Reverse Polarity Protection Contactor
  • Mechanical Drum Brake
  • Directional Thumb Control
  • Direction Reverse Switch In Control Handle
  • Power On Self Test
  • Emergency Power Disconnect Switch

Key Safety Features

  • Electric Horn
  • High-Visibility Mast
  • Emergency Power Disconnect Switch

Industrial Walkie Stackers

The industrial walkie stacker is designed to be extremely durable and offers the highest performance among stackers.

These workhorses have a lifting capacity of up to 4,000 pounds and an SEM drive motor, so you can use the fully programmable drive system to suit your needs and make everyday tasks easier. This stacker is best if you’re looking for maximum durability and reliability over time.

Industrial Walkie Specifications

360-Degrees of Quality, Durability, Reliability & Value

  • 24 Volt Electrical System
  • MOSFET Programmable Controller
  • SB-175 Red Connector
  • UL-Approved Model Type E
  • On/Off Key Switch

Ease of Service

  • Easy-Access Service Cover
  • Battery Compartment: 32.3″ x 13.3″ x Open Height
  • Power On Self Test

Industrial Stacker Ergonomics

  • Automatic Resetting Circuit Breaker
  • Reverse Polarity Protection Contactor
  • Mechanical Drum Brake
  • Directional Thumb Control
  • Safety Glass Mast Guard
  • Direction Reverse Switch In Control Handle
  • Power On Self Test

Walkie Reach Truck Stackers

While the mast can be moved up and down on regular stackers, the masts of reach stackers can be moved forward and backward, as well. This allows for maximum precision, especially in tight spaces.

The lifting capacity of Toyota’s reach stacker is up to 3,000 pounds. It is ideal for freezer and food storage, general manufacturing, and the oil and gas industries.

Walkie Reach Truck Specifications

360-Degrees of Quality, Durability, Reliability & Value

    • 24 Volt Electrical System
    • On/Off Key Switch
    • UL-Approved Model Type E
    • MOSFET Programmable Controller
    • Dual Hydraulic Reach Cylinders
 
  • Carriage Tilt
  • Spring-Loaded Torsion Bar Suspension
Ease of Service
 
  • Easy-Access Service Cover
  • Battery Compartment: 32.3″ x 13.3″ x Open Height

Walkie Reach Truck Ergonomics

  • Automatic Resetting Circuit Breaker
  • Reverse Polarity Protection Contactor
  • Mechanical Drum Brake
  • Directional Thumb Control
  • Safety Glass Mast Guard
  • Direction Reverse Switch In Control Handle
  • Power On Self Test

Key Safety Features

  • Electric Horn
  • High-Visibility Mast
  • Emergency Power Disconnect Switch

Ready to Learn More About Choosing the Right Electric Walkie Stacker?

There has never been a better time to invest in electric warehouse equipment. In fact, electric equipment is currently encouraged through rebates and incentives in Florida and Georgia.

However, we don’t know how long these incentives will last.

So if you’re thinking about making the switch or adding electric forklifts to your existing fleet, we’re happy to help here at Southern States Toyotalift.

You can contact us online, by phone at (866) 529-6953, or in person at one of our eleven locations below. We’ll walk you through how the incentives work, how we can help, and how you might be able to take advantage of them while they’re available.

FLORIDA
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven

GEORGIA
Albany
Macon
Columbus
Valdosta

Further Reading:
Switch to Electric Forklifts: See How Much You'll Save
3 Reasons Moving to Electric Will Re-Energize Your Business
3 Common Misconceptions About Electric Forklifts