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Pallet Wrapper Buying Guide

Home | Pallet Wrapper Buying Guide

Looking for the best pallet wrapper for your operation?

This guide walks you through key questions to help you choose the right stretch wrapping machine for your space, volume and budget – while optimizing film usage and improving load stability.

Key Considerations

  1. Space & Loading Method Tight on floor space or using manual or electric pallet jacks? Our 1200UL Ultra-Low turntable eliminates the need for long ramps. Its patented frame design includes a 3-sided ramp 0.7″ above the floor making loading fast and easy – saving space and reducing strain.
  2. Daily Pallet Volume Wrapping fewer than 20 pallets per day? A basic semi-automatic model may be all you need. Over 100 loads? Mid-to-high end machines with pre-stretch capabilities offer major efficiency gains.
  3. Load Weight Machines vary in weight capacity. If your pallets exceed 4,400 lbs, a rotary arm or mobile wrapper may be a better fit.
  4. Product Dimensions Height and size impact the machine type and specifications required. We offer solutions for oversized or unusually shaped pallets.
  5. Film Optimization Models like the 850PS feature power pre-stretch carriages that cut film use by up to 60%! For operations wrapping 20+ pallets/day, the film savings can pay for the machine within months.
  6. Built-in Scale Option You can add a scale to most of our stretch wrappers to effectively weigh pallets during wrapping – reducing handling and streamlining logistics.
  7. Ramp Requirements Need to load with fork trucks or pallet jacks that require a ramp to load? We offer various ramp options compatible with most machines.

Entry Level Model

The SWM-SA-600 is our least expensive model. It’s great for low-to-moderate use and allows you to wrap up to 20 loads per day.

SWM-SA-600

  • Production Rate Up to 20 loads per day
  • Basic controls
  • 3000lb capacity
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Best for: Low to moderate use. Perfect for a small operation that currently hand wraps
  • Explore the Model 600
  • List Price: $6,000
Handle It 600 stretch wrapper

Mid Level Models

These two mid-level models are great for packaging operations that require a wrapper that can handle up to 100 loads per day. They offer more advanced controls than the entry-level model.

SWM-SA-800

  • Production Rate Up to 100 loads per day
  • Upgraded controls with customized wrap load cycles
  • Electronic film tensioner
  • 4400lb capacity
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Best for: This model covers a wide range of entry to mid-level operations and is a top value choice. If you want to use 60% less film, consider the 850PS model
  • Explore the Model 800
  • List Price: $7,000
Handle it 800 stretch wrapper

SWM-SA-850PS

  • Production Rate Up to 100 loads per day
  • Power stretch carriage reduces film usage by 60%
  • Electronic film tensioner
  • 4400lb capacity
  • Same controls as the 800
  • 250% powered film pre-stretch (better film efficiency than the SWM-SA-800 model)
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Best for: The model 850PS is suitable for many applications. It falls right in the middle of our offerings and has a high-efficiency film carriage. If you want to save time and money, this model is an exceptional choice
  • Explore the Model 850PS
  • List Price: $9,300
A Model 850 PS semi-automatic stretch wrap machine.

High Level Models

These two high-level models can wrap 200-300 pallets per day. They’re an excellent choice for heavy-duty packaging operations that require highly custom wrap cycles.

SWM-SA-1100

  • Heavy-duty level semi-automatic pallet wrapper machine, rugged build for tough environments
  • Rated for up to 300 pallet loads per day
  • 4400lb capacity
  • 250% powered film pre-stretch (better film efficiency)
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Power stretch carriage reduces film usage by 60%
  • Variable tension control throughout the wrap cycle
  • Robust controls with many parameters to customize the wrap cycle
  • Best for: This is our most rugged model that’s designed for challenging environments. The controls can be adjusted to suit nearly any application requirement. This model also has the most optional add-ons
  • Explore the Model 1100
  • List Price: $11,300
1100AC Semi-Auto Stretch Wrap Machine

SWM-SA-1200UL (Ultra Low Frame)

  • Rated for up to 200 loads per day
  • 2600lb capacity
  • 250% powered film pre-stretch (better film efficiency)
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Patented Ultra-low frame & ramp easiest-loading machine on the market!
  • Robust controls with many parameters to customize the wrap cycle
  • Variable tension control throughout the wrap cycle
  • The ring ramp allows you to load and unload with nearly any material handling equipment, electric walkies, hand pallet jacks, stackers, you name it!
  • Best for: This machine has the same robust controls as the 1100AC. The added ultra-low profile frame and ring ramp allows you to use various equipment to quickly and safely load the unwrapped pallets
  • Explore the Model 1200UL
  • List Price: $15,300
A Model 1200 semi-automatic stretch wrapper

Fully Automatic Model

SWM-SA-1100AA-C

  • Production Rate Up to 300 loads per day
  • 4400lb capacity
  • 250% powered film pre-stretch (better film efficiency)
  • Photo Eye, Semi-Automatic operation
  • Variable tension control
  • Remote Control operated, film auto attaches, cuts, and hot seals
  • Explore the Model 1100AA-C
Handle It model 1100AA-C automatic pallet wrapping machine

Other Types of Pallet Wrappers to Consider:

Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines – These models allow you to control the automatic pallet wrapping machine via remote control—you don’t have to get off your forklift for any part of the wrap cycle. This improves your efficiency and overall throughput. These automatic pallet wrappers will automatically attach, hot seal, and then cut the stretch film.

Rotating Arm Stretch Wrappers – Ideal for extremely heavy, light, and unsteady loads as the pallet wrapping machine is stationary. They also tend to wrap at a higher speed than turntable stretch wrappers.

Mobile Robot Wrappers – Niche machine with their best attribute being that it can wrap very long or heavy pallets, and you can stow them away when not in use.

Didn’t see exactly what you were looking for? Let our experts help you find the equipment that’s perfect for your application and your budget.

About Handle-It

The company was founded in 1976 and the brand Handle-It was launched in 1999 by Jim Hunter, president of MII Equipment. Drawing on nearly 23 years of industry experience Handle-It was created to manufacture floor mounted safety equipment, dock equipment, ergonomic equipment, packaging equipment and other material handling products to serve the needs of industrial customers.

Our Locations

Handle-It Corporate & WI Warehouse
12247 W. Fairview
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Handle-It CA Warehouse
15300 Desman Rd.
La Mirada, CA 90638

Handle-It FL Warehouse
1300 SW 38th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34474

Handle-It TX Warehouse
3550 N Highway 161, Suite 100
Grand Prairie, TX 75050

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