Powered stackers lift and stack pallets to height without the cost, footprint or licensing of a full counterbalance forklift. Where a pallet truck only moves a load along the floor, a powered stacker raises it into racking or onto a stack — making it the natural next step up for a busy stores, warehouse or production area. Every unit in our range is fully powered on both drive and lift, so the operator walks alongside rather than pushing or pumping by hand.
Straddle stackers
A straddle stacker carries its load between two supporting legs that straddle the pallet, giving excellent stability for high-position stacking without needing a heavy counterweight. Our GPC VULCAN Fully Powered Straddle Stackers conform to EN 1757-1, are CE marked and plated, and come in 1,200kg, 1,500kg and 2,000kg models. A duplex mast gives smooth, quiet lifting; a four-wheel supporting design at the driving end with an offset tiller keeps the operator's view clear and the truck stable when reaching high. A built-in charger, battery discharge indicator and automatic lift cut-off come as standard, and the compact 1,485mm turning radius suits tighter aisles. Straddle legs do need clear floor space at pallet level, so they best suit open-bottom pallets and stillages.
Counterbalance stackers
Where the straddle legs would foul closed-board pallets or racking feet, a counterbalance stacker is the answer. The GPC VULCAN Fully Powered Counterbalance Stacker uses a rear counterweight instead of straddle legs, so it can drive right up to racking and pick up closed-board, standard UK and Euro pallets alike. It has a short wheelbase and duplex mast for good sight lines, adjustable fork spread, power steering and full free lift, and the latest AC control technology for precise handling and long battery life. The heavy-duty traction battery gives 8–9 hours of continuous work and charges from any convenient UK 3-pin socket via an external charger. Models start at 600kg with 1,600mm and 2,600mm lift heights.
Choosing a stacker
Match the stacker to three things: the load weight (600kg up to 2,000kg across the range), the lift height you need to reach, and your pallet type — open-bottom pallets and stillages suit a straddle stacker, while closed-board pallets and drive-to-racking work call for a counterbalance unit. All models are pedestrian-operated, EN 1757-1 compliant and covered by PUWER, so operators should be trained and the truck inspected in service. Not lifting to height? A manual or electric pallet truck may be all you need — our guide to pallet stackers vs pallet trucks explains where each one earns its place.
