In this article we’ll look at the impact of electric stackers on modern material handling, how they can streamline operations, improve workplace safety and support business growth.

Why Electric Stackers Win

• 20 % narrower aisles than LPG forklifts → 18 % more pallet positions
• Up to 50 % lower running costs by eliminating fuel & oil
• < 70 dB noise indoors and zero tail-pipe emissions
• ROI ≈ 26 months for a 1.5-ton unit versus two LPG trucks

What Is an Electric Stacker & How Does It Work?

Electric stackers (sometimes called electric pallet stackers or walkie stackers) combine a powered drive motor, an electro-hydraulic mast and a compact counterbalance.

Right Stacker Type

Decision tree: If you need to lift above 4 m and drive > 30 m per pick, a ride-on reach stacker is the sweet spot. Otherwise a walkie stacker covers 70 % of everyday warehouse tasks.

Battery Technology, Charging & Runtime

Lead-Acid vs. Lithium-Ion

A lithium-ion pallet stacker lets supervisors “sip-charge” during breaks, eliminating swap-outs and boosting uptime on multi-shift operations.

Flexibility Across Environments and Applications

Compared to other material handling equipment, an electric stacker stands out for its flexibility. Unlike larger forklifts that require wide aisles and more open floor plans, electric pallet stackers are designed to work in compact, high density environments. This makes them ideal for small warehouses, space constrained urban facilities and high throughput retail stockrooms where space optimisation is key.

Plus they can handle different load types, from standard pallets to custom containers, so electric stackers can be used across different industries, logistics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. And with adjustable fork heights and lift capacities they can stack, rack and floor level movement, so businesses can streamline operations without a one size fits all constraint.

Faster and Smarter Operations, More Productivity in the Process

Mechanisation gives the clear advantage of more productivity in warehouse operations. By mechanising the lifting and movement of goods, electric stackers reduce the time and physical effort required for manual handling, so operators can do more in less time. Plus the precise controls of modern electric stackers allow for faster but smoother load transfers so workers can work faster but safer.

In high throughput environments this means significant gains in order fulfillment rates and overall workflow efficiency. And many modern electric stackers now come with digital interfaces and battery indicators so you can plan your tasks and shifts better and minimise downtime and maximise output.

Improves Load Handling Accuracy That Reduces Loss

Handling materials requires care and attention, and electric stackers excel at this. With their compact design and smooth maneuverability, electric stackers allow you to place loads with precision even in narrow aisles or tightly packed shelving systems. So you reduce the risk of damaging stock or infrastructure and the associated costs and downtime.

Notably today’s electric stackers have variable speed controls, fine lift mechanisms and clear visibility for the operator, making them easier to use than manual equipment. All of this contributes to the accuracy of electric stackers, helping you protect your stock and improve moving and stacking efficiency. Especially important for businesses that handle fragile goods.

Cost Effective Because Compact, So Less Operational Costs

Full sized forklifts can be expensive, but electric stackers are more cost effective for businesses that want to optimise material handling without a big investment. On top of electric pallet stackers being generally cheaper to buy, their ongoing operational costs are also lower than other types of forklifts because they are electric not fuel based. And maintenance is minimal because electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engine models and are less likely to break down.

Many businesses choose to rent electric stackers as needed, further reducing capital expenditure and giving you the flexibility to scale up or down with demand. This makes electric stackers a great option for small to medium sized businesses that want to improve efficiency without breaking the bank.

With Modern Features That Improve Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a top priority in any material handling operation. And with features like automatic braking systems, load limit indicators, ergonomic handle designs and reduced noise levels, modern electric stackers are a great addition to any workplace that wants to improve operator and pedestrian safety.

Plus because electric stackers are easier to use and control than manual or combustion powered machines they reduce the risk of accidents caused by operator error or fatigue. And many models have emergency stop functions and speed limiters so even new or temporary staff can use them with confidence.

Zero Emissions and Low Noise for Better Indoor Air Quality and a Healthier Workplace

With sustainability high on the business agenda electric pallet stackers are a no brainer. They produce zero emissions so are suitable for indoor use and support the clean air and environmental policies of many modern workplaces. And compared to petrol or diesel powered machines they reduce noise pollution for a healthier work environment

Electric stackers are making a significant impact on modern material handling by helping meet the evolving needs of today’s logistics and manufacturing businesses. From their versatility and precision to their inherently eco-friendly design, these compact machines offer a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to streamline operations, improve safety, and control costs.

Groundwater contamination is destructive and is a difficult environmental problem to address. The long-term risks associated with groundwater or soil contamination extend beyond environmental. Surrounding local communities could be subjected to health problems due to contaminated groundwater.

To address the existing problems groundwater contamination poses and prevent future incidents, we present three sustainable groundwater remediation solutions below.

Physical Remediation

In physical approaches such as pumping and treatment, removal and disposal, and air sparging, harmful contaminants are eliminated, preventing the contaminants from further spreading to clean groundwater. 

Physical remediation is the most basic of the three remediation techniques, yet remains an important method of removing contaminants from groundwater.

The physical methods highlighted above employ various approaches to remove contaminants from groundwater. Pump and treatment use filters to strip away large particles and obstructions, then further remediating the groundwater with a biological or chemical treatment solution. Much like biosparging, air sparging uses pressurized water to treat groundwater, removing gravel or rock materials.

Physical approaches are often the first line of treatment employed in a remediation project. They are often used in the beginning when pollutants are at their highest. It is only after physical remediation is done that chemical and biological remediation treatments are used.

Biological Treatment

Considered a more cost-effective treatment method than chemical options, biological technologies use organic matter to convert contaminants into harmless compounds.

Using microorganisms and plants, biological remediation breaks down chemical and compound contaminants, often found in industrial waste, without the need for removal from the site.

There are three main treatment technologies and often, a combination of these treatment methods are employed to address groundwater remediation issues.

1. Bioaugmentation inoculates contaminants introduced in soil and groundwater with cultured microorganisms to biodegrade them.
2. Bioventing is an in-situ remediation treatment process that enhances indigenous bacteria and microorganisms by supplying oxygen to unsaturated zone soil to stimulate natural biodegradation.
3. Biosparging, like bioventing, serves as an in-situ remediation method, injecting air to increase oxygen and nutrients concentrations to remove contaminants using the process of biodegradation.

Chemical

While costly, chemical remediation is an important sustainable technique as it is the only method that can eliminate certain contaminants and one of the best treatment solutions to achieving the cleanest groundwater remediation results.

It also must be noted that chemical remediation takes the longest to achieve comparative to the two other more common remediation techniques.

Various methods could be employed to achieve chemical remediation. This list includes:

• Oxidation
• Carbon absorption
• Ion exchange
• Chemical precipitation

Though we will be examining the first two in greater detail.

Chemical oxidation

As the name may suggest, oxidation employs chemicals known as “oxidants” to transform harmful contaminants into considerably less toxic contaminants. Often, chemical oxidation is known as “in-situ chemical oxidation” as cleanup is performed in place without the need to pump the groundwater aboveground for remediation.

Oxidation is often used to treat contaminants such as:

• fuels
• solvents
• pesticides

As previously mentioned, it is usually done in-situ where the source area is located.

Carbon absorption

Carbon absorption employs a filtration system outfitted with activated carbon to treat sites with organic and metal contaminants as well as certain radionuclides. When the volatile organic compounds move through the filtration system, the contaminants are then chemically bound to the carbon atoms, increasing removal efficiency.

Conclusion

Groundwater is an important resource for all. It is a valuable source of drinking water, and is utilized in various industrial and agricultural applications.

As a valuable resource, it’s important that groundwater be protected from any risk of pollution or contaminants. The risk of contaminants, from pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, mixed waste (industrial and radioactive), and certain radionuclides, highlights the need for sustainable groundwater remediation solutions.

Contamination must be addressed with immediate effect and with the right application to guarantee minimal impact on the quality of the groundwater source. Several best-in-class solutions exist to address and combat groundwater contamination. When employed appropriately, these solutions ensure a higher quality of remediation results.

Global water resources are finite, so everything must be done to ensure future generations benefit from them just as we do, today.  

AUTHOR BIO

Patrick Randall is the Vice President of National Sales at Hepure Technologies. He holds a BS in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from CSUS. He has been working in the environmental and bioremediation space since graduating in 1986.