Not every area of a chemical plant needs a ride-on forklift. Small additive stores next to the blending room, sample rooms, finished goods packing areas and packaging stores are usually tight, handle moderate volumes and stack only two or three levels high. Here, a pedestrian or stand-on stacker truck is a compact, economical choice. This article suggests how to use STILL stackers in each area.
Characteristics of small areas in a chemical plant
Blending rooms often need many additives in small quantities, delivered on canister or small-drum pallets and kept on low racking near the line. Filling and packing areas produce a steady flow of finished pallets over short distances. Packaging stores hold empty canisters, caps, labels and cartons that are light but bulky. What they share is limited space, indoor floors and many pedestrians. The truck must be small, easy to control and set loads down gently to avoid spilling liquids. Background on this truck type is in what is a stacker truck.
Limits in areas with an explosion risk
Solvent blending rooms or flammable liquid filling areas may be hazardous areas. The STILL source documents we hold do not show an explosion-protected version of the stackers mentioned here, so use them only in areas assessed as safe. Zoning must follow applicable regulations; if an area is classified as hazardous, discuss a suitable solution with the supplier rather than using a standard truck.
Choosing a STILL stacker by area
STILL EXV 14-20: additive stores and rack replenishment
The STILL EXV 14-20 lifts up to 2,000 kg to a lift height of up to 6066 mm at 6 km/h. Its long tiller with OptiSpeed keeps a safe distance between the operator’s feet and the truck and adjusts speed to the tiller angle. Curve Speed Control limits speed in bends, helpful between additive racks. The tiller display shows the current load relative to maximum capacity; the optional load display and Dynamic Load Control estimate the load and the corresponding maximum lift height.
STILL EXV-CB 06-16: no support arms, special containers
Some chemical containers cannot sit on a normal pallet: closed-base containers, special frames or positions right next to machines. The STILL EXV-CB 06-16 has self-supporting cantilever forks and a tilting mast for safe container handling, and works with many pallet types and attachments. Capacity is up to 1,600 kg and lift height up to 4.2 m; proportional valves give precise lifting and lowering to the fork tips. The optional FleetManager controls who may use the truck and records impacts.
STILL ECV 10: low frequency, socket charging
Sample rooms, laboratory supply stores and label stores often need only occasional lifting. The STILL ECV 10 lifts up to 1,000 kg to 3227 mm. Two 12 V batteries with an integrated charger allow charging from a standard socket, with no dedicated charging station. Speed reduces automatically with lift height, and the low chassis protects the feet of people nearby.
STILL EXD 18C-20C: two loads per trip
At the dispatch dock of a packing area, the EXD 18C-20C can carry up to 1,000 kg on the wheel arms plus 800 to 1,000 kg on the forks, meaning two load levels per trip. It has a slim body and a small turning radius.
Guide table: step – model – reason
| Area | STILL type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Additive store next to blending room | EXV 14-20 | Controlled lowering, OptiSpeed, Curve Speed Control |
| Containers unsuited to normal pallets | EXV-CB 06-16 | Cantilever forks, tilting mast, attachments |
| Sample rooms, label and supply stores | ECV 10 | Standard socket charging, compact |
| Packing area dispatch dock | EXD 18C-20C | Carries two load levels per trip |
Safe operating tips
- Floors: stackers have small wheels and need flat, clean floors; spills must be cleaned up before the truck passes.
- Pedestrians: blending areas have many staff working by hand, so mark walkways and set speed rules.
- Pre-shift checks: brakes, tiller, lift chains and forks; see the pre-shift safety checklist.
See all models in the stacker category and other truck types under forklift solutions for the chemical industry.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pedestrian stacker replace a ride-on electric forklift in a chemical store?
In small areas with short distances and moderate heights, yes. For long distances, heavy loads or yard loading, a ride-on truck is still the better fit.
When should I choose the EXV-CB over the EXV?
When containers leave no space for the support arms of a standard stacker, or when you need mast tilt and attachments, the EXV-CB is the better fit.
Does the ECV 10 need a dedicated charging room?
According to the source, the ECV 10 has an integrated charger and charges from a standard socket. The charging point should still be outside hazardous areas and away from flammable goods.
Need a stacker for your blending room or additive store? Send a request via the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.