Not every area in a garment plant needs a ride-on forklift. Trims stores, work-in-progress staging after cutting and packaging stores beside packing areas are usually cramped, racks are not very high and each movement is moderate. That is where a stacker belongs: pedestrian or stand-on, compact and easy to train for. This article suggests how to choose STILL stackers for each area of a textile or footwear plant.
Where stackers work best
Trims store
Apparel and footwear trims include many small codes: thread, labels, zips, buttons, foam, soles, laces, paper boxes. Goods are kept on pallets or plastic boxes on racks a few levels high. Picks are frequent but light. A pedestrian stacker lifts goods to rack level without taking up much aisle.
Work-in-progress after cutting
After cutting, bundles of parts go into boxes or dedicated racks waiting for the sewing line. Many racks and home-made trolleys do not use standard pallets. Here a cantilever-fork stacker has the advantage of handling many kinds of carriers.
Packaging store and packing area
Empty cartons, poly bags and moisture-barrier paper must reach packing tables on time. Goods are light, bulky and racks moderate in height.
Choosing a STILL stacker
The STILL EXV 14 – 20 is the all-rounder: up to 2,000 kg capacity, an extra-long tiller with OptiSpeed adjusting speed to the tiller angle, plus Curve Speed Control. The tiller-head display shows what share of maximum capacity is on the forks; optional Dynamic Load Control indicates the corresponding maximum lift height. It suits multi-level trims racking.
The STILL EXV-CB 06 – 16 uses cantilever forks without front support legs, so it can lift pallets and load carriers of all kinds – suitable for work-in-progress racks and plastic trims boxes. Capacity reaches 1,600 kg and lift height 4.2 m, with proportional valves for precise lifting and lowering. Optional FleetManager shows who may use which truck and when impacts occurred.
The STILL ECV 10 lifts 1,000 kg to 3,227 mm for light, occasional stacking. Its integrated charger allows charging from a standard socket – handy for small workshops without a dedicated charging area.
The STILL EXD 18C – 20C is a double stacker that carries one pallet on the wheel arms and one on the forks at the same time, useful when loading and unloading cartons on trucks. For long routes and multi-shift stores, the STILL FXV 14 – 16 has a driver seat, speeds up to 12 km/h and a lift height above 6.2 m.
Guide table: stage – model – reason
| Stage | STILL model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-level trims racking | EXV 14 – 20 | OptiSpeed, load display, stable lifting |
| WIP racks, plastic boxes | EXV-CB 06 – 16 | Cantilever forks, many carrier types |
| Packaging store in small workshops | ECV 10 | Light loads, standard socket charging |
| Loading cartons on trucks | EXD 18C – 20C | Two pallets per trip |
| Long stores, multi-shift | FXV 14 – 16 | Seated, higher speed |
Safety notes in sewing workshops
Sewing workshops have dense staffing and aisles are often cluttered with trolleys, bundles and scrap bins. Agree on a few points before introducing stackers:
- Mark truck aisles and walkways clearly; keep rack areas clear.
- Do not stack loads so high they block the view; light goods tip easily when turning.
- Train operators before handing over trucks, including pedestrian models. See our operator training service.
- Check wheels regularly, as thread and fabric scraps can wrap around axles.
Learn more in what is a stacker truck or browse the STILL stacker range. Other solutions for the sector are on the textile & footwear forklift solutions page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stacker replace a counterbalance forklift in a garment plant?
For internal areas, short routes and moderate racking, yes. For container docks or yards, a counterbalance truck remains the better fit.
How do we lift WIP racks that are not pallets?
Cantilever-fork stackers such as the EXV-CB handle many carrier types. Rack leg dimensions must match the forks, so share a sample rack with a technician for assessment.
Can a small workshop without a charging area use an electric stacker?
Yes. The ECV 10 has an integrated charger for standard sockets. The charging point should still be kept away from fabric storage.
Choosing a stacker for a trims store or workshop? Send a quote request with carrier types, rack height and aisle width, or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.