Executive summary An automated storage system often needs loads on its own pallet type, so loads arriving on other pallets must be moved across. Our pallet changer takes a forklift-fed load of boxed goods, tilts it on its platform, and clamps and presses it while the pallet is changed. How many loads it handles follows from the cycle per load and your feed rate. We size both per project. Our stationary pallet changer receives forklift-delivered unit loads, secures the stack via a tilting platform combined with lateral clamping arms and a vertical top press, and holds the load rigid while the bottom pallet is exchanged. The operational throughput follows directly from the cycle per load and the facility feed rate, both of which are engineered per application.
Table of Contents
- What the machine does
- How the pallet change works
- Loads per shift
- What an ASRS feed needs
- Controls and safety
- Selection checklist for a pallet changer for ASRS feeding
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources
What the machine does
The changer stands beside the storage feed, on a concrete floor with marked lanes. A forklift brings a pallet of boxed goods and sets it on the machine platform.
The load is captured on the tilting platform and tilted up from horizontal toward vertical. The frame closes round the load, a vertical press bears down on it and the arms clamp round it while the pallet is changed. When the cycle ends, the forklift collects the load for the storage feed.
Our pallet changer family also includes floor-level 95° changers and 180° inverters, built for heavy-duty 24/7 operation with automatic pallet change and minimized labor intensity [manufacturer rating].
How the pallet change works
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Feed | A forklift sets the load on the machine |
| Clamp and press | Arms clamp the load and a press holds it from above |
| Tilt | The platform tilts the load toward vertical |
| Change | The pallet under the load is changed |
| Out | A forklift takes the load to the storage feed |
Clamping and pressing hold the stack as one block while it tilts, so boxes do not shift or fall.
Loads per shift
Illustrative example:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Shift length (illustrative) | 8 h |
| Seconds per shift, 8 × 3,600 | 28,800 s |
| Loads per shift | 28,800 ÷ cycle per load in seconds |
Forklift travel usually sets the real pace, so we look at your feed route as well as the machine.
What an ASRS feed needs
| Need | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pallet type for storage | Sets the pallet the load goes onto |
| Load height and weight | Sets the tilt, clamp and press |
| Box stack stability | Sets the clamp and press force |
| Feed rate into storage | Sets the cycle we design for |
Keeping the customer’s or supplier’s pallets out of the storage system means one pallet standard inside it. For loads that should not tilt, see our push-type pallet changer.
Controls and safety
The platform tilts a full load and the press and arms close on it. Keep people clear of the machine and the forklift path while it runs, and approach only with it stopped and isolated.
Our equipment family adds adjustable pressure control, automatic load locking and position sensors [manufacturer rating].
The standards that apply depend on the destination market. For CE markets, ISO 12100 sets the risk-assessment method and EN 415-10 sets general requirements for packaging machines.
Selection checklist for a pallet changer for ASRS feeding
- Incoming and storage pallet types and sizes.
- Load height and weight.
- Box stacking pattern.
- Loads per hour into storage.
- Forklift route and floor markings.
- Floor space beside the storage feed.
Engineering FAQ
Q: Why change pallets before an ASRS? A: So the storage system only handles its own pallet type.
Q: How is the load held while it tilts? A: Arms clamp it and a press holds it from above.
Q: How many loads per shift? A: 28,800 s in an 8 h shift divided by the cycle per load in seconds; forklift travel often sets the pace.
Q: What sets the real throughput besides the machine cycle? A: Forklift travel and the feed route into storage.
Q: How are loads fed? A: By forklift, onto the machine platform.
Q: What should I send for a quote? A: Both pallet types, load size and weight, and the feed rate into storage.
Next step
We plan your pallet changer in three steps:
- Submit your layout drawing with pallet types, loads and feed rate to info@fhopepack.com.
- Receive a proposal within 48 hours, with the tilt, clamp and press plan.
- Book a site survey to check the forklift route and floor space.
Related reading
- Pallet inverter
- Video: V-shape pallet changer
- Video: C-type 180-degree pallet turnover and pallet inverter
Sources
- Machine content: FHOPE engineering team
- Shift example: our worked example, illustrative values
- Machine in action: our video on YouTube
- Standards scope: ISO 12100:2010, EN 415-10:2014
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29
