Pallet inverter

Cost savings through pallet inverters: Faster and easier material flow

Where is the greatest potential for savings in material handling? Usually in repalletizing. To replace a work step that would otherwise tie up several people, the pallet inverter is the most effective lever. Instead of restacking layer by layer, you change the load carrier in one go.

This makes turning pallets a task that a single operator can complete in under a minute . This simplifies daily handling, increases throughput at goods receiving, and eliminates the need for intermediate stacks. Therefore, you require less personnel at this point.

Since back-friendly work processes reduce physical strain, the risk of downtime also decreases. Because the investment rarely pays for itself based on a single factor, it's worthwhile to consider throughput, pallet costs, and sick days together . Since every pallet passes through the pallet changer anyway, damaged pallets are noticed earlier.

How pallet turners work in different designs

The operating principle is the same for all designs: The goods are secured, the unit is rotated or tilted, the load carrier is removed and replaced. This principle is particularly advantageous in warehouses and distribution centers where pallets need to be exchanged quickly and safely.

The required rotation angle depends on the goods and the task. If the load is rotated 180 degrees , it will then be completely placed on a new pallet. A tilting angle of 90° to 120° is sufficient, however, if only the load carrier is being changed. The load capacity of the pallet turner and its opening range also vary – we tailor both to your maximum expected load weight and pallet dimensions.

The clamping technology is crucial. Throughout the entire rotation, high-quality clamping plates hold the goods securely yet gently. This allows even delicate items to be handled safely. Cardboard boxes don't get crushed, and containers don't slip.

A typical application is the transfer from wooden to plastic pallets. When the goods are delivered, they are on wooden pallets, but only plastic pallets are permitted in cleanroom areas – the pallet inverter transfers the entire load without anyone having to touch it. In sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food production, this interface is crucial for hygiene and throughput.

Ergonomic pallet changing increases production speed

The efficiency of a production process is determined by the number of manual steps required. A pallet turner rotates the entire load in seconds – a process that would take several minutes and two people to do manually. This measurably increases the cycle time.

True to the motto "what is technically possible, we implement," we continuously develop our equipment. To ensure uninterrupted operation, stability and durability are our top priorities. Despite the high demands placed upon it, the robust construction withstands the rigors of daily use in production and storage.

If goods on the floor are damaged, remove and relocate them quickly; replace defective load carriers immediately. Whether in the food industry or logistics: the pallet inverter quickly becomes an integral part of the process.

Improved logistics: Can be optionally combined with a hand pallet truck

A pallet inverter significantly increases the efficiency of your logistics processes. Because pallets can be rotated and turned quickly and easily, you make better use of available storage space. During the transfer of goods, precise handling prevents damage and guarantees careful handling of your products.

Do you currently move your pallets without a forklift? Then optionally combine this device with a hand pallet truck. This combination pays off as soon as heavy loads are moved: it works efficiently and protects the health of your employees. Because no detours are needed to move pallets into the desired position, transport routes are also shortened.

Since 1958 – for over six decades – we have been building material flow systems and providing comprehensive advice on our products. Our expertise is available to answer all your questions, from load-bearing capacity to integration into existing conveyor technology. If you want to optimize your logistics processes, a pallet inverter is an investment that quickly pays for itself.

Further advantages of pallet turners summarized at a glance:

• increase in efficiencyIf the goods need to be turned or rotated before storage, this process is significantly faster – resulting in shorter throughput times.
• Easy replacement of defective pallets or damaged goodsDamaged load carriers can be replaced effortlessly. Downtime is reduced.
• Reduction of physical strainManual restacking is eliminated, which can lead to reduced sick leave and higher job satisfaction.
• Flexibility: Its applications range from the food and beverage industry to the pharmaceutical industry, trading companies and storage facilities.
• SafetySince nobody moves heavy pallets by hand anymore, the risk of accidents decreases noticeably.
• Cost savings: Reduced downtime permanently lowers operating costs.
• Hygienically flawless palletsOnce the load carrier has been changed, you reliably maintain hygienic standards – in cleanrooms as well as in food production.

We offer the following types of pallet turners.

Mobile pallet turner

A mobile pallet inverter is designed to be moved within a warehouse or distribution center. Because the machines are on wheels, they can be operated by a single person. Their compact design allows them to fit even in confined spaces.

Mobile pallet inverters demonstrate their strength wherever space is limited or where turning is required at different locations. The machine comes to the goods, not the other way around. Using a mobile pallet inverter eliminates the need for a fixed station or any structural preparations. Even an existing warehouse can be retrofitted without altering your workflow. A single mobile pallet inverter can thus serve multiple receiving areas without requiring a separate machine for each station.

Where strict hygiene regulations apply – in the pharmaceutical and food production industries – this point is crucial: flawless pallets are mandatory. Mobile pallet inverters facilitate the pallet change directly at the interface between delivery and the cleanroom. We will gladly answer your questions regarding load capacity and potential applications.

A note on differentiation: Mobile pallet inverters do not replace an attachment on a forklift. Like a pallet inverter in the strict sense, they operate independently on the ground, while the forklift merely delivers and retrieves the pallet.

Stationary pallet turner

A stationary pallet inverter is permanently installed in one location. As loads increase, these machines become larger and can handle significantly more weight than their mobile counterparts. In high-volume environments, they are integrated directly into a production line or serve a designated area for turning and exchanging pallets. Where many pallets are processed daily, a stationary pallet inverter is almost always the more economical choice because it eliminates the need for maneuvering.

Stationary pallet inverters vary in their features depending on the task: some models use clamping plates that securely hold the goods during the rotating process, others use a turntable, or a combination of both. To prevent damage, the special clamping plates fix the goods firmly but gently.

Opening range and load capacity vary depending on the model. For particularly heavy goods, we offer versions with increased load capacity that can handle even the most demanding tasks. Operation is simple, requiring only a few steps on a control panel – significantly reducing the training time for new employees.

Integrated as a stationary pallet changer, the device handles the load carrier exchange directly within the line cycle – without requiring a forklift to touch the unit again. Mobile and stationary devices can be easily combined: the fixed station for the main flow, mobile pallet changers for special cases and peak loads.

Automatic and fully automatic pallet turner

There are several stages between manual operation and full automation. An automatic pallet inverter takes over the turning process independently, while feeding and removal continue to be done manually – the operator starts the cycle and is then free for other tasks.

In contrast, a fully automatic pallet inverter is completely integrated into the conveyor line. As soon as a pallet enters, it is detected, rotated, and continues its journey without intervention. To ensure continuous operation of the line, our inline models can be linked with a pallet magazine, control unit, and packaging station.

The extent of automation depends on throughput. For a small number of pallet changes per shift, an automatic pallet changer at a fixed station is sufficient. While manually operated models perform 10 to 20 changes per hour, the rotary and tilting method can change up to 40 pallets per hour . As a stationary pallet changer in an automated line, the device then runs around the clock.

Pallet inverter for forklifts from Baust

For streamlined warehouse operations, a pallet inverter for forklifts is a proven tool for quickly and safely rotating pallets. This saves time, money, and space. Since it is easy to operate, the attachment can be used with almost any forklift. A pallet inverter for forklifts is particularly cost-effective where unloading takes place at multiple loading docks simultaneously.

This allows you to transport wooden pallets safely and precisely place the top pallet of a stack. Once you have unloaded the cargo, you can immediately replace any damaged pallet instead of temporarily storing the goods. Thanks to their robust construction, our devices are particularly durable and designed for daily use in demanding industrial environments.

If the issue isn't the pallet itself, but the stack of goods, a conventional pallet inverter reaches its limits. In this case, a stack inverter is the ideal solution – it rotates the stack without changing the load carrier. In many systems, both types of equipment complement each other.

For questions regarding load capacities or custom designs, please contact our sales department directly. For specific technical inquiries, an electrical specialist is also available to assist you. To give you a better understanding, we would be happy to demonstrate the equipment. Service is paramount throughout the lifespan of a system: factory acceptance testing, installation, training, and maintenance are all provided by the same company. Before the system is commissioned, we coordinate storage facilities and transport equipment to ensure you receive a customized solution for your specific business needs.

Service and advice: Do you need further information? Then please contact us by phone at +49 (0) 2173/2709-0 or by email at mail@baust.de. Alternatively, you can arrange a free consultation directly.