What to do with sub-standard pallets

Over the years, we have noticed a rapid decline in the overall quality of pallets in many of the industries to whom we have supplied mobile racking systems. This is probably inevitable given that the pallets are ultimately exported with the product, and as such are considered a disposable item that needs have as little cost attached as possible.

The result is of course that the pallets are unable to withstand damage, or even (often) successfully support the load, and frequently deflect excessively and eventually break, causing product damage and worse.

At Barpro we are always keen to assist our customers with solutions to real challenges, and years ago developed our pallet support bars to help counter this problem. This bar spans between the load beams from front to back providing additional support to the centre line of the pallet. We have traditionally recommended and fitted one for each pallet.

However, it seems that pallet quality has deteriorated further, and the other day at a major Western Cape pack-house we found that the pallets, although supported in the centre, are still deflecting close to collapse on the outer edges.

Accordingly we have developed a full pallet-size weld-mesh grid in an attempt to counter this situation, and we tried a prototype out at this fruit exporter recently. We found that the grid definitely reinforces the pallet – and may even prevent it from completely breaking – but it did not fully prevent it from deflecting.

We are now working on a further development whereby the grid will be fitted with additional strengthening struts to make them more rigid under load.

Anyone who has experience of this issue, and has any useful ideas in this connection, contact Alan or James (info@barpro.co.za) – we’d be delighted to have feedback.