What is a Stacker? Warehouse Equipment Guide
By PalletCorner Team • January 11, 2026
A stacker is a compact warehouse machine designed to lift and stack pallets. It's a cost-effective alternative to forklifts for light to medium-duty stacking operations.
How Does a Stacker Work?
Stackers use a mast (vertical frame) with forks that:
- Slide under a pallet
- Lift vertically using hydraulic or electric power
- Raise pallets to rack height for stacking
- Lower for picking and moving
Types of Stackers
Manual Stackers
Hand-operated with hydraulic pump.
| Spec | Range |
|---|---|
| Lift height | Up to 63 inches |
| Capacity | 1,000-2,200 lbs |
| Cost | $500-1,500 |
Best for: Occasional use, light loads, budget operations
Semi-Electric Stackers
Powered lift, manual drive.
| Spec | Range |
|---|---|
| Lift height | Up to 118 inches |
| Capacity | 2,000-3,000 lbs |
| Cost | $2,000-4,000 |
Best for: Regular stacking, moderate heights, indoor use
Fully Powered Stackers
Powered lift AND powered drive.
| Spec | Range |
|---|---|
| Lift height | Up to 192 inches |
| Capacity | 2,500-4,000 lbs |
| Cost | $5,000-15,000 |
Best for: High-volume operations, tall racking, all-day use
Straddle vs Counterbalance
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straddle | Legs straddle the pallet | Stable, compact | Pallet must be open-bottom |
| Counterbalance | Weight in rear balances load | Works with any pallet | Larger footprint |
Stacker vs Forklift
| Feature | Stacker | Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $500-15,000 | $15,000-100,000+ |
| License required | Usually no | Yes (OSHA certified) |
| Lift height | Up to 16 ft | Up to 30+ ft |
| Speed | 3-4 mph | 10-15 mph |
| Capacity | Up to 4,000 lbs | Up to 50,000+ lbs |
| Aisle width | 6-8 ft | 10-12 ft |
| Best for | Small warehouses | Large operations |
When to Use a Stacker
Choose a stacker if:
- Operations are light to medium duty
- Budget is limited
- Narrow aisles
- No licensed forklift operators available
- Stacking height under 16 feet
Choose a forklift if:
- High-volume, all-day use
- Heavy loads (4,000+ lbs)
- Outdoor or rough surfaces
- Need to load/unload trucks
- Stacking height over 16 feet
Key Selection Factors
- Lift Height: Measure your highest rack beam
- Capacity: Know your heaviest loads
- Aisle Width: Measure narrowest aisles
- Power Source: Battery vs manual
- Pallet Type: Open-bottom for straddle stackers
Shop Stackers
Browse our complete selection of stackers at PalletCorner, including manual, semi-electric, and fully powered models.
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