This guide is designed to help you compare and choose from Lift Safe’s range of manual stackers. It explains how manual stackers work, where they are most effective and how to select the right configuration based on load weight, reach, lift height and operating environment.
Whether you’re handling machinery components, tooling, moulds or other awkward loads in confined spaces, this guide will help you identify the crane solution best suited to your operational needs.
Who are manual stackers for?
Manual stackers provide business with simple and affordable solutions for lifting and stacking heavy loads without the complexity or expense of powered stackers.
They are particularly well suited to businesses where lifting tasks are occasional rather than frequent and continuous, and where loads need to be raised to shelving, racking, pallets or even workbench height rather than transported long distances.
Manual stackers are particularly applicable where:
- Load weights are light to medium and remain within predictable limits
- Lifting is intermittent, not continuous throughout the shift
- Travel distances are short and confined to localised work areas
- Floor conditions are smooth and level (or generally well-maintained)
- There is limited access for larger lift trucks or powered stackers
They are commonly used in warehouses, stockrooms, light manufacturing environments, workshops, production support areas and maintenance operations, particularly where space constraints or budget considerations make powered solutions impractical.
Key product features of our manual stackers
The performance of a manual stacker isn’t just about how much it can lift, but how well it stays stable and easy to use throughout the lifting process. The features below show how our range of manual stackers are designed for predictable loads, short movements, space-limited environments and accurate positioning in more controlled working areas.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Rated from 300 kg up to 1,200 kg safe working load, depending on model |
| Lifting Mechanism | Manual hydraulic pump with controlled descent via release valve |
| Lift Height Range | Up to 1,600 mm on selected models, with lower lift heights available for heavier capacities |
| Fork Options | Fixed or adjustable forks available in a range of lengths to suit standard and non-standard pallets |
| Chassis & Mast Construction | Rigid steel frame and mast designed for stability during lift and positioning |
| Mobility | Manually propelled with smooth-running castor wheels for use on flat, level floors |
| Braking | Individual wheel brakes or parking brake options for secure positioning during lift |
| Operator Control | Ergonomic handle with integrated pump and release controls |
| Compliance | CE marked and manufactured in line with relevant European safety standards |
Choosing the right model
| Model | Max. Load | Max. Lift Height | Duty Profile | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA MGF evo | 300 kg | 1,600 mm | Light duty | Small loads, shelving, workbench loading in tight spaces |
| ALFA MGL evo | 300 kg | 1,600 mm | Light duty | Precise handling where manoeuvrability is critical |
| Alfa Evo M | 1,000 kg | 1,150 mm | Medium duty | Heavier palletised goods with moderate lift height |
| ALFA MRL evo | 1,000 kg | Low lift | Medium duty | Short-lift stacking and positioning of heavier loads |
| ALFA MRF evo | 1,000 kg | Low lift | Medium duty | Stable handling of dense or awkward loads |
| Beta M evo | 1,200 kg | 1,600 mm | Higher manual duty | Maximum capacity manual stacking in light-industrial environments |
Use case profiles
| Environment | Common Tasks | Recommended Manual Stacker(s) |
|---|---|---|
Retail stockrooms & back-of-house |
Lifting cartons, replenishing shelving, positioning goods at bench or shelf height in restricted spaces | ALFA MGF evo ALFA MGL evo |
Workshops & maintenance areas |
Handling components, tooling, spare parts and assemblies for short-distance positioning | ALFA MGF evo Alfa Evo M |
Warehouse / logistics (low to mid racking) |
Stacking palletised goods, transferring loads between floor level and storage positions | Alfa Evo M ALFA MRL evo ALFA MRF evo |
Light manufacturing & production support |
Positioning dense or awkward loads near machines, production lines or workstations | ALFA MRF evo Beta M evo |
Facilities with limited space for powered equipment |
Manual stacking where forklifts or powered stackers cannot operate due to aisle width or layout | Alfa Evo M Beta M evo |
Higher-capacity manual handling tasks |
Lifting heavier palletised loads where manual operation is preferred over powered equipment | Beta M evo |
Tooling and customisation
Here at Lift Safe, we also offer a range of tooling and customisation options for our manual stackers to ensure they integrate properly into your real-world handling tasks. This means you won’t be left forced to operate around standard equipment.
Fork options and attachments
Fork lengths and widths can be specified to suit the pallet sizes or non-standard loads you will encounter more frequently. Where loads aren’t palletised, specialist attachments such as platforms and other bespoke fixtures can be supplied to improve load stability and control.
Specialist finishes
For more demanding environments, finishes and configurations might be able to adapted to suit things like hygiene and corrosion-resistance. Before you make a purchase decision, be sure to speak to our sales team who will be able to support you with finding the right solution, or to even put in a request for a completely custom lifter.
Summary
At Lift Safe, our manual stacker range is designed to provide your workplace with safe, controlled lifting for a wide range of light-to-medium duty handling tasks. When choosing a manual stacker, focus on things like:
- Load weight and lift height
- Available space and operating environment
- Frequency of use and operator needs
- Tooling and custom requirements
For detailed specifications and drawings or help configuring a manual stacker for your application, our sales team is available to provide practical guidance across the range. If your handling task falls outside standard configurations, we can also support custom adaptations and bespoke stacker solutions to better fit your day-to-day operation.
