Pallet Dispenser Selection Guide
Posted: | Author: Cherrys Industrial
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Pallet Dispenser Comparison: Floor-Level vs. Conveyor-Fed Dispensing
Choosing the right pallet dispenser is key to improving efficiency, safety, and reliability in your material handling operations. This Pallet Dispenser Selection Guide is designed to help you compare features, understand the different mechanisms, and identify the best solution based on your application, pallet type, and workflow needs. Whether you're automating pallet stacking, dispensing, or both—this guide will point you in the right direction.
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Type |
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Mechanism |
Use Type |
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Function (Stack / Dispense) |
Key Features |
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Carriage Lift/Lower Pins |
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Pins insert into pallet notches; powered by hydraulic or electric actuators |
✅ Floor-Level or Conveyor-Fed |
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Both |
Fast, automated, precise |
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Squeeze with Spring Assist |
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Side arms clamp pallet stack; release bottom pallet |
✅ Floor-Level Only |
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Dispense |
Adjusts to pallet condition and sizing |
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Scissor Lift & Catch |
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Stack rests on lift; catches release one at a time |
❌ Conveyor-Fed Only |
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Dispense |
Under-stack lifting and catching sequence |
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Fork Style (Mast) |
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Mast with forks indexes under and lifts stack |
✅ Floor-Level or Conveyor-Fed |
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Both |
Pick up pallets from the end, will hand two-way pallets or inconsistent stack heights |
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Gravity Cam Mechanism |
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Stack held by cam; pallet jack lifts and releases one at a time |
✅ Floor-Level Only |
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Dispense |
No power needed; triggered by pallet jack motion |
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Rotary Screw |
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Rotating screw lifts stack by gripping into sides |
✅ Floor-Level or Conveyor-Fed |
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Dispense |
Programmable, less moving parts, no hydraulics |
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Key:
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✅ = Floor Level Suitable
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❌ = Not Suitable
- Carriage Lift with Pins Pallet Dispenser
Ideal for packaging lines using consistent, good-quality block or stringer pallets.
(Models: LDD-STK-1400-10/20 and EPD-1400) - Squeeze / Spring Assist Pallet Dispenser
Best suited for high-speed, floor-level dispensing in environments where pallet variation is common.
(Models: PD-4500 and PD-9000) - Scissor Lift / Catch Pallet Dispenser
Designed for inline conveyor systems with uniform pallets and automated flow.
(Models: PD/50-57 and PD/50-57-A) - Fork Style / Mast Pallet Dispenser
Handles variable pallet designs and dimensions, including wing pallets or two-way fork entry styles.
(Model: PDFSC-15B/STR) - Gravity Cam Pallet Dispenser
A light-duty manual system ideal for basic applications using power pallet jacks. - Rotary Screw Pallet Dispenser
Perfect for work cell automation that requires uniform, high-strength pallets.
- Match dispenser type to floor vs. conveyor-fed needs.
If your application uses pallet jacks or manual loading, avoid conveyor-only styles like Scissor Lift & Catch. Floor-level systems provide better accessibility for operators. - Start with good pallet quality. Many jams result from stringer pallets with broken boards, warped stacks, or non-square orientations. Always inspect and sort stacks prior to loading to avoid downtime.
- Plan for jams and recovery.
All pallet dispensing systems are vulnerable and will eventually jam—whether due to pallet damage, misalignment, or vibration. Choose systems that offer easy homing, on-screen fault codes, jam detection alerts, and remote diagnostics for fast, safe recovery. - Consider origin and design intent.
Not all pallet dispensers are built with U.S. operations in mind. Many European-designed units are engineered for consistent pallet types and intermittent use—not the variability and high-throughput demands common in North American facilities. Confirm the system can handle stringer pallets, mixed grades, and continuous-duty cycles before purchase. - Involve EHS early in the process.
While dispensers reduce manual pallet handling, they may introduce new risks such as pinch points, reach hazards, or limited access during faults. Involve your EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) team early to ensure the system includes proper safety devices such as light curtains, interlocks, and guarding to keep operators safe during use and maintenance. - Straighten pallets prior to use. Using a pallet wedge or pallet tunnel to square stacks before loading, ensures safer handling, smoother automation, and more consistent equipment performance. Properly aligned pallets reduce the risk of jams, sensor errors, and mechanical issues, helping to maintain operational efficiency and minimize downtime.