Load the Machine
Position the palletised load on the flush-to-floor loading table using a pallet truck or forklift.
Premier Pallet Transfer Equipment
Automatic Pallet Changer
A fully automated, hands-free pallet-transfer system for loads weighing up to 1,500 kg.
The Premier Pallet Changer enables an operator to exchange the pallet beneath a complete load without manually lifting or touching the pallet. A PLC-controlled sequence grips, supports and tilts the load before returning the original pallet to floor level for removal.
- Fully automatic PLC-controlled pallet exchange
- Maximum load capacity of 1,500 kg
- Suitable for pallet truck or forklift loading
- Handles 800, 1,000 and 1,200 mm pallet widths
- Touchscreen control with manual override
Designed around your application:
the Pallet Changer can be manufactured to suit the
required stack height, pallet dimensions, load type
and operating environment.
1,500 kg
Maximum loading capacity
600–2,050 mm
Standard jaw-opening range
Up to 25/hr
Potential pallet-transfer throughput
PLC Automatic
Sequenced touchscreen operation
What Is an Automatic Pallet Changer?
An automatic pallet changer is a specialist pallet-transfer machine that removes and replaces the pallet beneath a complete load without requiring an employee to handle the pallet manually.
The load is secured by a top clamp and two moving sidewalls. The machine then tilts beyond 90°, allowing the products to rest safely against the side and top supports while the original pallet is returned to floor level.
Hands-free pallet exchange
Once the original pallet reaches floor level, it can be removed using a pallet truck and replaced with the required hygienic, internal, export or shipping pallet. The machine then completes the automatic sequence and returns the load upright on its replacement pallet.
How Does the Pallet Changer Work?
The complete pallet exchange is managed by a protected, PLC-controlled operating sequence.
Grip the Pallet
The pallet is secured by the machine’s integrated gripping system.
Contain the Load
The top clamp and moving sidewalls close around the load to maintain its stability.
Tilt Beyond 90°
The secured load tilts backwards until it rests against the machine’s side and top supports.
Exchange the Pallet
The original pallet returns to floor level, where it can be removed and replaced using a pallet truck.
Return the Load
The replacement pallet is secured and the machine automatically returns the complete load upright.
Automatic Pallet Changer Applications
The system is particularly suited to controlled environments where hygienic pallet transfer and reduced manual handling are important.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Transfer products from incoming wooden pallets onto clean plastic or hygienic in-house pallets.
Food Production
Separate external transport pallets from hygienic pallets used inside controlled production areas.
Outbound Shipping
Move finished products from reusable internal pallets onto expendable or shipping pallets before dispatch.
Damaged Pallet Replacement
Exchange a damaged pallet beneath a complete load without unloading and rebuilding the stack manually.
Original-Orientation Transfer
Transfer products that must finish the process in their original upright orientation.
High-Throughput Operations
Support repeat pallet-transfer processes where automated operation and consistent cycle times are required.
Which Loads Are Suitable?
The Pallet Changer is best suited to stable boxed or cluster-packed products. It can also handle suitable tubs, drums and reels. Because the goods must remain stable while resting against the side of the machine, it is generally not recommended for loosely bagged goods, unstable loads or thin-layered products.
Pallet Changer Benefits and Standard Features
Automated pallet handling helps improve safety, consistency and productivity in repetitive transfer applications.
Operational Benefits
- Removes the need to lift pallets manually
- Helps reduce pallet-related manual-handling risks
- Reduces the risk of pallets being dropped
- Helps protect employees from pallet splinters
- Provides repeatable automated pallet exchange
- Allows loads to finish in their original orientation
- Supports hygienic pallet-control procedures
- Can achieve up to 25 pallet changes per hour
Standard Machine Features
- PLC-controlled automatic operating sequence
- Touchscreen console at the front of the machine
- Manual override for individual functions
- Top clamp and two moving retaining sidewalls
- Pallet-gripping load table
- Flush-to-floor pallet loading
- Fixed guarding on three sides
- Photo-electric safety beams at the entrance
- Zinc primer and epoxy acrylic top-coat finish
Automatic Pallet Changer Technical Specifications
The dimensions below relate to the standard machine. Custom machines can be manufactured to suit different load heights and application requirements.
| Machine type | Fully automatic pallet-changing and pallet-transfer system |
|---|---|
| Maximum loading capacity | 1,500 kg |
| Minimum jaw opening | 600 mm |
| Maximum jaw opening | 2,050 mm |
| Pallet widths | Load-table grippers configured for pallets measuring 800, 1,000 or 1,200 mm wide |
| Pallet dimensions | Accommodates suitable pallets up to approximately 1,200 mm in either direction |
| Power supply | Three-phase, 400 V, 20 A |
| Motor size | 4 kW |
| Approximate machine weight | 1,800 kg |
| Controls | Fully auto-sequenced PLC control with manual override and touchscreen console |
| Standard machine dimensions | Approximately 2.16 m wide × 2.50 m deep × 2.35 m high, excluding separate guarding |
| Required operating space | Approximately 3.03 m wide × 4.82 m deep × 2.75 m high, including standard fixed guards |
| Guarding | Two-metre-high floor-fixed guards on three sides with photo-electric safety beams at the front |
| Potential throughput | Up to approximately 25 pallet changes per hour, depending on the load, handling process and operating conditions |
| Standard finish | Two coats of zinc primer with a two-pack epoxy acrylic top coat |
Specifications are indicative and may change according to pallet dimensions, stack height, load characteristics, guarding and customised machine configuration.
See the Automatic Pallet Changer in Operation
Watch how the machine secures the load, returns the original pallet to floor level and completes the automatic pallet exchange.
Discuss Your Pallet-Transfer Requirements
Share your load dimensions, pallet sizes, product type and required transfer rate with our team. We can help determine whether the Automatic Pallet Changer or another Premier pallet-transfer system is best suited to your application.