Pallet inverters in one form or another have been in existence for over 30 years now, but as with all forms of technology, things move on.

FS (Free Standing) Turner. Firstly, it is notable that the FS style of inverter (also called pallet inverter) with a single clamping table and accessed by forklift truck, remains the most popular model on the market. As operators prefer not to leave the cab to control the machine, there is a move now to remote control and especially infra-red; however, the basic inversion function remains the same. More loads these days need to be re-inverted into the upright position for better presentation. Using the FS from a forklift truck means the original pallet has to be lifted off first before placing the new one on. This can be problematic.

Pallet Changer.  Therefore, ideas are switching towards systems which recline the load temporarily and return just the pallet to its original position for exchange. The Premier Pallet inverters do just this. It begins by gripping the pallet and enclosing the load from top and sides then reclining everything through 105 degrees. The pallet can now be detached from the product and returned to ground level for removal.

The importance of this operation is that it is no longer necessary to touch the pallet by hand. Increasingly, companies are instituting systems which preclude any manual lifting of loads over 25 kgs, especially anything as awkward to handle as a pallet. The Pallet inverter can be used in conjunction with a pallet stacker and dispenser, one to accumulate the old pallet and the other to dispense the new one.

The challenge with this style of inverter is to make it as universally workable with all types of load and sizes of pallet if it is to become a serious competitor to the traditional machines. One option is to tip the product back into a ‘V’. This works well with some goods, but forces everything to one corner of the pallet; also bagged goods tend to collapse when resting on their edge in this way.