Double-deep stacking has become the most popular stacking method in all major warehouses, production facilities, and any other places where the space is limited. This method of storing various pallets and materials helps a lot by maximizing the space utilization and improving the storage density. This reduces the operational costs and increases the productivity significantly. Although the standard forklifts are most commonly used for material handling operations, there are special forklift machines designed specifically for double-deep stacking. The pantograph forklift and the telescopic forklift are used for such operations. These two forklift models differ in their design and capabilities. The following text will highlight the benefits of both models.
Pantograph forklift. The pantograph forklift is designed with scissor reach mechanism that allows the operators to lift, reach and place various loads with less effort. Most pantograph forklift models that can be found on the market come with two outer legs on which the total weight is being distributed. The legs come with a pair of wheels for smooth movements. These forklifts are highly beneficial for operations where thin forks are needed for handling pallets efficiently. One of the main advantages of the pantograph forklift is its capability to lift and reach pallets in narrow and tight places where the space is extremely limited. With compact and unique design, the pantograph forklift is ideal machine for handling all types of pallets, including those with low-profile openings. When compared with the telescopic forklifts, the pantograph forklift ensures fast and more efficient operating time. Another advantage of the pantograph forklift is the reduced number of pallet damages.
Telescopic forklift. The second material handling machine that is used for double-deep stacking is the telescopic forklift. This model is an European invention, and that’s why it is most commonly used in the warehouses and production facilities all around Europe. The telescopic and pantograph forklift differ in their design, configuration and lifting capabilities. Also known as telehandler, telescopic handler, and extended reach forklift, this machine is like the traditional forklift, but instead of a vertical mast for lifting and reaching loads, the telescopic forklift comes with a telescopic boom. This is a heavy-duty and off-road forklift model, designed to be used for rough applications in construction, mining and warehouse sites. A standard telescopic forklift is designed with a pair of forks for handling pallets. Beside forks, this machine can also be equipped with other attachments, like carriages, jibs, buckets, grapples, winches, and other tools for performing various tasks. Although more powerful than the pantograph forklift, the telescopic forklift is more expensive machine.
In overall, both models offer many advantages that can help operators to reduce their operational costs and to increase the productivity. This means that the decision which forklift to choose will depend on their budget, needs and requirements.