Straddle stackers lift pallets between two outrigger legs rather than over a counterweight, so the truck stays shorter, lighter and easier to turn in a tight aisle. Because the legs straddle the pallet, they handle open-bottom and closed-bottom pallets that standard fork-over stackers cannot pick up. Every model here is a GPC VULCAN straddle stacker, manufactured by GPC Industries Ltd (UK), with a 1,000 kg capacity and adjustable forks.
Choosing between hydraulic, semi-electric and fully powered
Hydraulic straddle stackers (STHI26Y/27Y/28Y) are the simplest option: controlled lifting by hydraulic pump, mobile on two 180 mm swivel castors and 75 mm front rollers, conforming to EN 1757-1. Lift heights of 1,600 mm, 2,500 mm or 3,000 mm suit occasional stacking where speed is not critical.
Semi-electric straddle stackers (PSS16E–PSS35E) keep manual push travel but add powered lift from a heavy-duty 1,500 W electro-hydraulic power pack and 12 V 150 Ah battery with built-in automatic charger. Adjustable forks and straddle legs give an overall width of 1,100–1,380 mm, with a 1,350 mm turning radius, 1,150 mm forks and tandem lift chains with full guarding to EN 1757-2. Raised heights run from 1,600 mm to 3,000 mm.
Fully powered straddle stackers (FPST1016–FPST1032) drive and lift under power, with duplex mast lifting, twin 12 V/85 Ah maintenance-free batteries, a built-in charger and a discharge indicator with automatic lift cut-off to protect battery life. The four-wheel supporting design and offset tiller keep high-position stacking stable, with a 1,485 mm turning radius and lift heights up to 3,200 mm. 1,200 kg, 1,500 kg and 2,000 kg versions are available on request. Conforms to EN 1757-1, CE marked and plated.
Where a straddle stacker fits
Pick a straddle stacker when your pallets are open-bottomed (Euro pallets picked from the closed side, bespoke bases), when floor loading rules out a heavy counterbalance truck, or when aisle space is tight. If your pallets are standard closed-bottom types, compare the wider pallet stacker range first — and if you only need horizontal moves rather than stacking, a pallet truck is the cheaper answer. Our guide to pallet stackers vs pallet trucks walks through the decision.
Under PUWER, stacker trucks should be part of your planned inspection regime, and operators need adequate training even though no licence is legally mandated for pedestrian stackers.
