Many moulding halls have no room for a counterbalance truck between machines, yet still need to lift pallets onto two- or three-level racks. A stacker truck in a plastics plant fills that gap: compact like a pallet truck, lifting like a small forklift. This article covers the jobs STILL stackers do well in plastics and rubber plants and how to choose between the EXV, EXV-CB, EXD and FXV.
Why do plastics plants need stackers?
Around each moulding machine there is usually a small buffer store: a few pallets of dried resin, label boxes, packaging, finished boxes waiting for inspection. The space between machines is narrow, with material lines and cables, and large trucks struggle to get in. Pedestrian or stand-on stackers manoeuvre in this space and lift pallets onto low racks, freeing the floor for operators.
Technical rubber plants making seals, gaskets and anti-vibration mounts are similar: small products, many SKUs, stored in plastic boxes or trays, held temporarily by curing batch. Light racking next to inspection and packing is common, and the stacker is the main truck.
Jobs stackers do well in plastics and rubber plants
Machine-side buffers and quality inspection areas
Pallets of semi-finished goods are placed on racks to wait for inspection, printing or assembly. The stacker puts each pallet in place and retrieves it when the batch is released.
Handling octabins and non-standard containers
Resin and regrind often come in octabins or closed-bottom containers rather than pallets with openings for support legs. A counterbalanced stacker with free-standing forks handles these containers without legs running under the load.
Loading small trucks
Contract moulders often deliver in small trucks, many trips a day. A double stacker loads quickly without a large forklift waiting at the door.
Suitable STILL models
STILL EXV 14-20 has an extra-long tiller with OptiSpeed, which adjusts speed to the tiller angle and keeps a safe distance between the operator’s feet and the truck. Curve Speed Control slows the truck when cornering, starting and braking in narrow aisles. The tiller head display shows how much of the 2,000 kg maximum capacity is on the forks; optional Dynamic Load Control estimates the load and the corresponding maximum lift height.
STILL EXV-CB 06-16 is a stacker with cantilevered forks that lifts pallets and containers of all kinds and extends its functions with various attachments. It handles up to 1,600 kg and lifts up to 4.2 m. Proportional valve technology gives precise lifting and lowering right to the fork tips, suiting octabins and closed-bottom boxes.
STILL EXD 18C-20C is a double stacker: up to 1,000 kg on the wheel arms plus 800 to 1,000 kg on the forks. A slim chassis and small turning radius suit truck loading and cramped stores.
STILL FXV 14/16 is a seated stacker lifting more than 6.2 m, up to 1600 kg, travelling up to 12 km/h, with automatic speed reduction based on steering angle and lift height. It suits long runs between production and warehouse and multi-shift work.
| Step | Type / model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Machine-side buffers, inspection racks | STILL EXV 14-20 | OptiSpeed, Curve Speed Control, load display |
| Octabins, closed-bottom and special containers | STILL EXV-CB 06-16 | Cantilevered forks, many attachments |
| Loading finished goods onto small trucks | STILL EXD 18C-20C | Double-deck transport, slim chassis |
| Remote finished-goods store, multiple shifts | STILL FXV 14/16 | Seated driver, up to 12 km/h |
Points to watch beside moulding machines
- Floors around machines often have pellets and hydraulic oil leaks: small stacker wheels are sensitive to debris, so clean regularly.
- Straddle-leg stackers need pallets with openings for the legs; for closed-bottom containers choose a counterbalanced type.
- Check rack height against lift capacity at the actual load; see what is a stacker truck.
Range: STILL stacker trucks. All solutions by truck type are on the forklift solutions for plastics & rubber page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stacker replace a counterbalance truck in a plastics plant?
For buffer stores, low racking and medium loads, yes. For unloading containers, lifting bulk bags onto high hoppers or rough floors, a counterbalance truck is still the better fit.
Which stacker for resin octabins?
For closed-bottom containers with no room for support legs, the EXV-CB 06-16 with cantilevered forks is a sensible choice. Check the weight of a full octabin against the load chart.
When should I choose a seated stacker?
When travel distances are long and work runs over several shifts. The FXV 14/16 has a driver’s seat and travels up to 12 km/h, reducing fatigue compared with walking.
Send your rack dimensions and container types via our quote page or call 0902 63 79 70 for stacker advice.