Wooden pallets are a convenient standardized container for the safe transportation of goods. Without a doubt, the key characteristic of this product is its load capacity. It determines how much load a wooden pallet can withstand.
If you look in the passport documents, you can see the nominal load capacity of a wooden pallet according to GOST. Based on its value, choose the optimal type of container and plan its further operation. However, it is not enough to know the nominal value of this characteristic: how much the wooden pallet actually withstands, may differ significantly from it.
What factors affect the load capacity of a pallet
The nominal value of load capacity according to the basic standard for the most common in Russia pallet with dimensions 800×1200 mm is 1 ton. However, practice shows that it is actually possible to be guided by the indicator equal to 1.5-1.8 tons.
There are factors that can reduce or increase the load capacity of pallets. These relate to both the physical characteristics of the container and the method of operation:
- material of manufacture. Pallets are produced from different types of wood, and the greatest strength (with a relatively low weight) has containers made of coniferous wood. In Russia, most pallets are made of pine;
- design and manufacturing technology. The standards clearly specify the design of the pallet, including the types and methods of fastening of individual parts. If the technology is violated, the load capacity may not correspond to the declared load capacity. So, for example, if you increase the thickness of boards, their number and the number of support legs, the pallet will be able to withstand much more weight. If you use low quality lumber and save on fasteners, the load capacity will be reduced;
- operating and storage conditions. Transportation of goods over long distances, especially in difficult conditions, has a bad effect on wooden products, even those that comply with all regulations. Storage of pallets in high humidity or sharp temperature fluctuations – too. Strength and load capacity may be reduced in such situations;
- the purpose of the pallet. If pallets are meant to be used only for storing goods for a long time, then often standard products can withstand much more – up to 5.5 tons;
- type of cargo. Analysis shows that heterogeneous cargo can be loaded on standard pallets within their nominal load capacity, and if it is evenly distributed over the pallet area, the load can be increased up to 1.5 tons. If the load is solid (monolithic) – up to 2 tons.
It should be noted that the permissible weight of cargo on a pallet depends not only on the ability of the container to withstand it. It is important to take into account the capabilities of loading equipment, which should not be loaded beyond the allowable weight. For example, electric forklifts of the forklift type, which are most often used, are designed for 1.5-1.8 tons. Exceeding the pallet loading will lead to the need to use more powerful forklifts, which is often inappropriate. In addition, the load capacity of the vehicle must also be taken into account: if the cargo area is optimally loaded in terms of area, the total weight may be overloaded.
Load capacity of wooden pallets according to GOST
Pallets manufactured in Russia must comply with GOSTs. As mentioned above, according to the basic standard, the load capacity of an 800×1200 pallet authorized for use more than once was 1000 kg (with the maximum mass of the pallet itself being 40 kg).
The maximum permissible mass of the load on the pallet is from 0.6 to 5.5 tons. This parameter depends on the cargo operation, the specifics of the load, the part of the area occupied by the cargo, and the total area of the deck. Maximum values are allowed if the cargo on pallets is simply stored in a warehouse, pallets are arranged on a flat horizontal platform. In this case, the load is evenly distributed over the decks and occupies at least 85% of their area.
In 2016, instead of GOST 9557-87 and 9078-84, GOST 33757-2016 was developed (entered into force on May 1, 2017). According to this standard, the gross weight of a reusable pallet when goods are evenly distributed over 85% of the deck area depends on its dimensions as follows:
- for 1200×800×100 mm – 1000 kg (one bulky load) and 1350 kg (e.g. boxes not pulled together). Own weight up to 40 kg;
- for 1200×1000×100 mm – 1350 kg (drawers pulled together). Own weight up to 45 kg;
- for 1600×1200×150 mm (pallets with protrusions) – 2000 kg (monolithic load). Own weight up to 80 kg;
- for 1800×1200×180 mm (pallets with protrusions) – 3200 kg (monolithic load). Own weight up to 950 kg.
The maximum load for all types remains the same (as in GOST 9557-87): it cannot be higher than 5500 kg.
Load capacity of Euro pallets 1200×800 mm
Pallets according to the European standard UIC 435-2 have dimensions 1200×800×144 mm (marked with the EUR branding). Their safe working load is 1,500 kg and maximum load is up to 4,000 kg with a dead weight of no more than 25 kg.
Load capacity of Finnish pallets
Finnish standard pallets are larger than Europallets – their dimensions are 1200×1000×144 mm. FIN pallets comply with ISO:3676. They are more spacious, have two decks, their gross weight is 1500 kg for first grade pallets and 1000 kg for second grade pallets. The empty weight is 16-21 kg.
Load capacity of American pallets
Such containers are different from all other standards. American pallets are square, their dimensions are 1200×1200×150 mm. They are made of aspen, poplar, pine or alder, are single- and double-sided, have no stigma. The load capacity of pallets of this sample is 1000-1200 kg and depends on the version.
Ruspallet specializes in manufacturing high quality pallets from durable materials from reliable suppliers. Our products comply with current standards, we guarantee their durability and reliability. Each client can count on an individual approach and a flexible pricing system.