How Much Does a Pallet/Stretch Wrapper Cost?

Pallet wrapping machines are a valuable addition to any shipping operation. From small specialty warehouses to large packaging operations, these machines help save time, money, and labor costs.

If you’re in the market for a stretch wrapper, you might wonder how much they cost and what exact returns you’ll get on your investment. Read on to learn more about pallet wrapper pricing and the various cost savings you can expect.

What Do Pallet Wrappers Cost?

The initial cost of semi-automatic pallet stretch wrappers can range anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Automatic Pallet Wrapping machines can be considerably more expensive.

However, keep in mind that the initial upfront cost is offset tremendously by the film and manual labor cost savings over the machine’s lifetime compared to wrapping pallets by hand. The more features a machine has, the greater the cost savings.

For example:

Turntable: Your workers will still need to perform the time-consuming task of holding the stretch wrap roll and manually moving it up and down until complete. This can lead to stretch wrap waste, spilled loads, and improperly wrapped pallets due to human error and fatigue.
Semi-Automatic Pallet Wrapper: The machine might come with a “power pre-stretch” feature that significantly reduces stretch wrap waste and decreases the amount of labor required.
Fully Automatic Pallet Wrapper: A fully automatic stretch wrapping machine will wrap, stretch, and in some instances, perform a perfect cut and seal at the end of the cycle. This further helps cut down on labor and human error.

Types of Pallet Wrapping Styles

Pallet wrapping machines come in various types, each designed to meet specific needs, from manual to fully automated systems. Below is an overview of the different levels of machines, their features, and the benefits they offer.

1. Manual Wrapping (Primary Level)

At the most basic level, manual wrapping is entirely reliant on the operator. The worker becomes the turntable, the mast, and the carriage. This method is suitable for low-volume operations, such as shipping 1-2 pallets per week. However, as pallet volume increases, so does the cost of stretch wrap and manual labor, making this option inefficient for higher throughput.

2. Turntable (Next Level)

The next step up is adding a manual turntable, which eliminates the need to walk around the pallet, saving time. While it still requires manual handling of the film, the turntable itself speeds up the process and allows for a more consistent wrap.

3. Semi-Automatic Wrappers

Semi-automatic pallet wrappers offer significant value for medium to high-volume operations, typically wrapping anywhere from 20 to 300 pallets per day. Depending on the model, they provide the following features:

Power pre-stretch: Stretching the film up to 250%, reducing film usage and waste.
Powered mast: Automates the up-and-down movement of the film.
Customizable wrap cycles: Pre-programmable settings to suit different load types.
Photo-eye sensor: Detects the height of the load and stops the wrapping process automatically.
Automatic film cutting and sealing: Cuts and seals the film at the end of the cycle.
Ultra-low profile: Ideal for operations with limited space.

Cost: $5,000 – $20,000+

4. Fully-Automatic Wrappers

Fully-automatic pallet wrappers are ideal for large-scale shipping and packaging operations that need to wrap hundreds of pallets per day. These machines offer all the features of semi-automatic machines, plus additional automation and efficiency:

Fully automated wrapping process: No operator intervention needed.
Automatic sealing: The machine automatically seals the film at the end of the cycle.
Conveyorized system: Pallets are automatically fed to the machine and moved down the line after wrapping.
High-tech sensors: Guide the pallet to the wrapper, ensuring a consistent and precise wrap every time.

Cost: Higher than semi-automatic systems, with pricing depending on the complexity and configuration.

Labor Cost Savings Per Year

Pallets Wrapped Per Day	Annual Labor Cost Savings vs. Hand Wrapping
10	$1,300
20	$2,600
30	$3,900
40	$5,200
50	$6,500

*Based on an average of 4 mins to hand wrap vs. 2 minutes to attach the film and cycle the machine at a $15/hr wage range.

Pallet Wrapper Accessories

Depending on the model you select, there are several different optional accessories, such as:

Scale: An optional scale helps cut down on freight overage charges by providing an exact weight.
Pallet Wrapper Ramp: Allows an electric manual-powered pallet jack to move a load onto a pallet wrapping machine.
Label Printers: When used in conjunction with a scale, a label printer creates an easy-to-apply 4” sticker that shows the weight and a date/time stamp. If the cost of a stand-alone printer seems high, Handle It can also integrate the scale into the machine, calibrate it, program, and configure/program the printer. This allows for a true plug-and-play situation with no further intervention on the part of the end-user.
Extended Frame with Larger Turntables: Some oversized loads will not fit on a standard turntable. An enclosed frame with a larger turntable provides a bigger footprint for wrapping larger pallets.

Buying New vs. Buying Used

If the cost of buying a new pallet wrapping machine is a concern, there are some companies out there that sell refurbished or used ones. While the initial price may be a bit lower, several factors could cause the total cost of ownership to rise above the overall cost of a new machine:

Warranty: There may be a minimal warranty or none at all.
Parts: Depending on the model you select, the availability and speed of getting replacement parts may be challenging.
Limited Support: Support from the manufacturer could be limited.
Repair: Getting a qualified technician out to your facility could take time. An average labor rate for a technician is $150 per hour, with a minimum 4-hour trip charge for diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you still have to wait for the part to arrive, and then the technician will schedule a time to fix it, which may incur another trip charge.

Which Pallet Wrapping Machine is Right for You?

While pallet wrapping machines offer increased savings and convenience over the traditional method of wrapping by hand, there are many different models with varying features.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 866-322-6544 or reach out to us via the link below. One of our knowledgeable product experts will help you determine the best machine for your packaging and shipping needs.