Types of Stacker: A Guide to Pallet Stacker Machines
A pallet stacker is compact, lower-cost lifting equipment used to raise and position palletized loads without a full-size forklift. Types of stacker machines break down along two main lines: how the unit is powered (manual, semi-electric, or full-electric) and how its legs interact with the pallet (straddle-leg, fork-over, or counterbalanced). Most warehouses end up choosing based on load weight, lift height, aisle width, and how often the equipment will be used in a shift.
Below, we break down the main types of stacker machine by power source and by chassis design (see our guide on what a pallet stacker is for the basics), then show real models and pricing from Iron Line Tools' own stacker lineup.
Types of Stacker by Power Source
Manual Stacker
The most basic type — a hand-pumped hydraulic system lifts the load, and the operator pushes or pulls the unit to move it. Manual stackers are the lowest-cost option but are best suited to light loads and infrequent, low-volume lifting.
Semi-Electric Stacker
An electric hydraulic pump handles the lifting, while the operator still manually pushes or pulls the unit to move it between locations. This is a common middle-ground choice — faster and less physically demanding than a fully manual stacker, at a lower cost than a fully electric one.
Full-Electric Stacker
Both lifting and travel are powered electrically, typically controlled by a tiller handle. Full-electric stackers reduce operator fatigue the most and are the standard choice for higher-volume operations or facilities running stackers for a full shift. Many newer full-electric models run on lithium-ion batteries for fast opportunity charging — see our guide on how electric lift equipment actually works for more on the battery and motor side of things.
Types of Stacker by Chassis Design
Straddle-Leg Stacker
The most common configuration — two legs straddle the pallet on either side to provide stability while lifting, without needing a rear counterweight. Straddle-leg stackers work well for standard, open pallets but require enough floor clearance for the legs themselves.
Fork-Over Straddle Stacker
A variation on the straddle-leg design where the forks ride low, between or over the straddle legs, letting the unit access low or tight pallet positions that a standard straddle stacker's leg height can't reach.
Counterbalanced Stacker
Instead of straddle legs, a counterbalanced stacker uses a rear counterweight to balance the load — the same basic principle behind a standard counterbalance forklift. This eliminates the straddle legs entirely, so the truck can drive over pallets, floor debris, or uneven surfaces that would stop a straddle-leg model, and it can work in tighter aisles since there's nothing extending out to the sides — similar to why reach trucks use outriggers instead of a counterweight in narrow-aisle warehouses.
Triple-Mast (Multi-Stage) Stacker
A mast built with three collapsing stages instead of one or two, letting the stacker reach significantly greater lift heights while still collapsing down low enough for standard doorways and low-clearance areas. Often paired with a side-shift feature for finer positioning without repositioning the whole truck.
Real Stacker Types at Iron Line Tools
| Model | Type | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNT G33S-118 | Semi-Electric Fork-Over Straddle | 3,300 lb | $4,288 |
| EKKO EB13C-138LI | Full Lithium-Ion Straddle | — | $7,128 |
| GNT GB30CS-189LI | Triple-Mast Straddle w/ Sideshift | 3,000 lb | $17,598 |
| GNT G30KCS-189LI | Counterbalanced (No Straddle Legs) | 3,000 lb | $25,598 |
Iron Line Tools' full stacker lineup spans $4,030–$25,598 across 91 active models. A note on completeness: our lineup covers semi-electric and full-electric stackers across all the chassis types above — we don't currently carry fully manual, hand-pump-only stackers, so if that's specifically what your operation needs, give us a call to talk through options.
How to Choose the Right Type of Stacker
Start with how often the equipment will be used: occasional, light-duty lifting points toward manual or semi-electric; frequent, full-shift use points toward full-electric to reduce operator fatigue. Then match chassis type to your floor and pallet conditions — straddle-leg and fork-over models for standard open pallets on clean, even floors, and counterbalanced models where you need to drive over debris, uneven ground, or want the tightest possible aisle footprint. Finally, confirm lift height against your actual rack height, not just your current needs, so you're not undersized within a year.
A stacker isn't always the whole answer, either — many warehouses run stackers alongside reach trucks for taller racking or an order picker for case- and each-level picking, using each piece of equipment for the job it's actually built for rather than stretching one machine to cover everything.
Stackers at Iron Line Tools
Related equipment: Reach Trucks | Order Pickers | Electric Forklifts | All Material Handling Equipment
Related Reading
• What Is Material Handling Equipment? A Plain-English Guide
• Types of Material Handling Equipment: Full List & Examples
• Types of Electric Forklifts: The Complete Guide
• How Do Electric Forklifts Charge?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a manual, semi-electric, and full-electric stacker?
A: A manual stacker uses a hand-pumped hydraulic system and is pushed or pulled by the operator. A semi-electric stacker has an electric hydraulic pump for lifting but is still manually pushed or pulled to move. A full-electric stacker is powered for both lifting and travel, typically controlled by a tiller handle, and reduces operator fatigue the most.
Q: What's the difference between a straddle-leg and a counterbalanced stacker?
A: A straddle-leg stacker uses two legs that straddle the pallet for stability while lifting. A counterbalanced stacker replaces those legs with a rear counterweight, so it can drive over pallets or uneven floors and work in tighter aisles since nothing extends out to the sides.
Q: What is a triple-mast stacker used for?
A: A triple-mast (multi-stage) stacker has three collapsing mast stages, letting it reach significantly greater lift heights while still collapsing low enough for standard doorways. It's often paired with a side-shift feature for finer load positioning.
Q: Does Iron Line Tools sell fully manual, hand-pump stackers?
A: No — Iron Line's stacker lineup covers semi-electric and full-electric models across all chassis types, but not fully manual, hand-pump-only stackers. Call 800-698-1646 if that's specifically what your operation needs.
Q: How much do pallet stackers cost at Iron Line Tools?
A: Iron Line's full stacker lineup spans $4,030–$25,598 across 91 active models, ranging from a semi-electric fork-over unit like the GNT G33S-118 ($4,288) up to a counterbalanced model like the GNT G30KCS-189LI ($25,598).
Q: Should I choose a stacker instead of a reach truck or order picker?
A: It depends on the job — stackers are a compact, lower-cost option for shorter lift heights, while reach trucks handle taller racking and order pickers are built for case- and each-level picking. Many warehouses run all three, each for the job it's actually built for.
Not sure which type of stacker fits your application? Call Iron Line Tools at 800-698-1646 and we'll help you choose.