How to Determine Plastic Pallets Capacities
12 Jul 2015
Plastic pallets are extremely beneficial in the storage and logistics sector. They are an efficient means of storing and transporting goods, but it is vital that you use the correct pallet for your requirements. One of the most important factors is the capacity of the pallets. If you exceed the specified weight, it can result in damage to the goods that are being carried or to the pallets themselves, as well as being a safety risk.
If you’re not used to pallet specifications, you can become confused by the range of designs that are available. Each of them has its own particular uses and intended loads, and it’s important that you understand the definitions of load capacity, as these will enable you to choose the most appropriate pallet for your needs.
Dynamic Load Capacity
This refers to the maximum weight capacity that can be accommodated when a pallet is lifted with a hand jack or forklift.
Static Load Capacity
This is the capacity that the pallet is capable of holding when it’s stored on the floor or stacked.
Racking Load Capacity
This level refers to the maximum weight capacity that a pallet can hold when it’s used in a racking system, and there is no support below the pallet’s centre.
Problems with Capacity
The capacity of plastic pallets is not as straightforward as simply determining the weight of the goods that will be loaded onto them. The capacity levels of pallets are calculated using loads that are evenly distributed, and this is not always the case when they are in general use. Many of the types of loads that will be carried, such as bags or coils, will not be distributed in this way.
There are also some factors that can decrease the capacity of a pallet. It’s vital that you understand all these elements and take them into account when selecting the best pallet for your needs.
If the product is just in the centre of the pallet and doesn’t go to the sides of the deck and over the legs, it means that the pallet centre can be pushed down, which will bring the edges up. This will reduce the capacity of the pallet when it’s used in an unsupported rack.
If the boxes are stacked in a single column on the pallet, it can change the pressure points and decrease the stability of the load. In these circumstances, the load must be secured properly to prevent the pallet edges from being deflected downwards. For best capacity, try and ensure that the boxes are stacked evenly, otherwise the capacity will be reduced.
Storing bags on their sides with pelletized or powdered materials in them can also result in an unstable load. The materials inside them will shift position, and if they are double-stacked, the different layers will cause the pallet to bend without the right support in place.
These factors all show just how important it is to calculate the correct capacity that you require from your pallets. If you need help determining which pallet meets your requirements, you can talk to one of our experts at Plastic Pallets.
Plastic Pallet Prices
Find out more about all the kinds of pallets available on our website today. You’re sure to find a pallet with a capacity that suits your needs. All it takes is a few clicks to place the item you want into your cart and heat to check out with our secure service.
It’s also easy to get an accurate price with our free online quoting tool for any order. Just tell us your required product type and the number you need, and you can get a unique quote tailored to your specifications.
Got a question or concern about the capacity of our pallets? Feel free to give us a call at 02389 667999, or fill out our online contact form with your details and order specifications, and we’ll try to get back to you as fast as we can!