Machines, Equipment Aid Pallet Assembly

The following is a review of pallet assembly equipment and machinery manufactured by leading suppliers of the pallet industry.

Suppliers are listed in alphabetical order.

Bronco Pallet Systems offers a number of types of automated and semi-automated equipment and systems for pallet recycling and new pallet assembly. In addition, the company offers custom design and manufacturing services of pallet assembly and recycling equipment.

The company’s newest machine is the Mustang 4000 automatic pallet nailing system, which uses collated fasteners and features a powered nailing gantry that moves from side to side. The gantry nails the pallet bottom on its first pass, hesitates while the operator turns the pallet and positions the top boards, and then nails the top as it returns to the original home position.

The power nailing tools are always firing when the gantry is in motion. The machine holds coils of 3,000 collated nails, which means less time is spent reloading nails.

The Mustang 4000 is adjustable for different pallet and skid sizes, including wing pallets and pallets made of three or four stringers. Finished pallets are stacked automatically when the operator activates a foot-controlled switch. A Rollout Modification and Accumulator Table reduces demand on the forklift operator and causes less interruptions to the operator of the pallet assembly machine. The Mustang 4000 requires only 110 volts ac and 120 psi air.

The Bronco model 2001 and model 2003 nailing systems may be used by one worker to assemble stringer or block pallets ranging from 32×32 to 52×52. They may be used with either new or used pallet parts, and the equipment may be changed over quickly to a different pallet size. Finished pallets are stacked automatically with the aid of a foot-operated switch. Both models use 110 volt ac and 90-120 psi of air; they require minimal operating space.

The work area of Bronco nailing systems slopes upward at about 25 degrees; the tilted work area is easier on employees than the leaning and reaching associated with the flat surface of a table. Bronco nailing systems include a jig into which the worker places the stringers and then the bottom deck boards. After placing the bottom deck boards, the worker uses a power nailing tool suspended over the work station to fasten the components together. Next, he flips the pallet over, puts the top deck boards in place, and finishes nailing the pallet. He activates a foot pedal and the pallet moves backward automatically into the automatic stacker. One man using a Bronco nailing system can assemble a pallet in 60 seconds or less, according to the company.

The power nailing tool is suspended on a retractable cord from an overhead rail; this feature keeps it within easy reach, eliminating the need to pick up and set down the nailing tool.

The Bronco Model 2003 nailing system also is equipped with the above-mentioned power roll-out and accumulator. It also comes with optional powered board spacers that snap in place with a switch.

In addition to providing an efficient way for one man to build pallets, the Bronco systems produce high quality pallets. They are reliable and require very low maintenance. They provide a safe working environment and require minimal floor space. Bronco nailing systems are backed by a five year warranty. Bronco offers similar nailing systems for custom, over-sized pallets. They can be designed and built to assemble pallets specified by a customer. They are similarly equipped but come with automatic posi-track stacking.

Bronco also offers a system for assembling corrugated pallets. It features an air-powered gate, 360-degree rotating table, and an automatic stacker. The system can be used to assemble two pallets at once and easily adapted for various pallet sizes.

Bronco equipment has served well for Jimmy Lowe, owner of Lowe’s Pallet in Hollow Rock, Tenn. His company, which builds only new pallets, first decided to move toward semi-automation seven years ago. Jimmy had been in the pallet business for 14 years and had a clear vision of what would speed up production.

“They're just virtually trouble-free, good machines,” Jimmy said of his company’s Bronco equipment. “They run day in and day out.”

Before the company bought its first Bronco system, one employee could make about 250 pallets per day, according to Jimmy. With a Bronco system, they began producing 325 to 350 per day, he said.

Lowe's Pallet is equipped with several of the Bronco semi-automated systems. In addition, the company participated in the development of and field testing of the Bronco Mustang 4000 Auto Nailer, which it added to its pallet assembly operations. Bronco also supplies pallet recycling equipment, including stackers, destackers, lead board removers, dismantlers, hand platers and stringer splicers, trim saws, and material handling equipment. The company provides consulting services for pallet manufacturing and recycling and can design plant layouts. Bronco can design complete pallet manufacturing or recycling systems for either start-up businesses or high volume pallet businesses.

For example, it’s one-man sorting and repairing station consists of a repair table with lead board remover and two stackers arranged on one side and one end. One man working at the repair table can remanufacture pallets and slide them into either stacker according to grade.

A layout for producing more pallets may consist of four sorting and repair stations, each with a table and lead board remover. One dismantling machine, a rotating sorting table, and a trim saw could supply enough used pallet components. The system would be complete with stackers and conveyors.

Bronco will custom design layouts to meet an individual company’s requirements.

Bronco Pallet Systems also supplies a pallet washing system that can clean two to 15 pallets per minute. The Hydro Clean 1500 Pallet Washer can be operated by one man and integrated with pallet recycling lines.

For more information, contact Bronco Pallet Systems at (800) 458-5462, fax (979) 244-1935, e-mail Bronco@broncosys.com, or visit the Web site at www.broncosys.com.

Bill Dungey of R. J. Dungey & Sons Ltd., a Canadian pallet manufacturing company, has been going back to GBN Machine and Engineering Corp. since buying his first nailing system in 1989.

The reason: the reliability and durability of GBN machines. “They run day in and day out,” said Bill. “We’ve had very little problem with them over the years.”

Equally important, added Bill, is the “strength of GBN management. They back up what they say.”

In 2001 GBN marked its 10th year of success in supplying machinery to the pallet industry. Owned and operated by three partners, Rod Gray, Paul Bailey and Raj Nainani, the Virginia-based company takes its name from the first letter of each of their last names.

The GBN team has a long history in pallet nailing systems and considerable experience and expertise in engineering, and it strives to build high quality nailing systems and to provide strong service to its customers. Every GBN machine is thoroughly tested prior to delivery. Pallets are assembled on each nailing system to help ensure smooth, trouble-free installation.

GBN manufactures pallet nailing machinery, lumber stackers, pallet stackers, stringer end plating equipment, and custom equipment. Although its focus is the North American marketplace, GBN has sold and installed machines overseas, too. About 300 GBN and Campbell nailing machines are operating in pallet plants worldwide.

GBN offers a number of different beam-type nailing machines that are appropriate for small pallet manufacturing businesses to high-volume pallet manufacturing. The company manufactures nailing machines in simple push/pull configurations for smaller users or custom pallets and a variety of larger, semi-automatic and automatic options for mid-sized to high-volume pallet operations. The top-of-the-line GBN system, the Excalibur, is a fully automated, high-production machine that is available in both standard and block pallet configurations.

“A pallet manufacturer can find a machine in our line that is ideal for his operation,” said Paul. “Then, as they grow, we have the equipment necessary to support them.”

All GBN systems use bulk nails and drive the fasteners with the aid of hydraulics. In beam-type pallet nailing systems, the pallet is oriented so that the stringer is presented parallel to the line of nail chucks. The machine drives at one time all the nails required to fasten all the deck boards to the stringer, and the pallet advances to the next stringer.

R. J. Dungey & Sons, located about 100 miles west of Toronto in Mitchell, Ontario has been in business since 1953. Bill and his brother, John, represent the second generation of family ownership.

The company, with about 35 employees, manufactures a large number of different pallet sizes and footprints. For example, it makes pallets for CHEP, the Canadian Pallet Council pallets, GMA-type pallets, 48-square pallets for the chemical industry, certified softwood expendable pallets, and many more. Most pallets are assembled by machine with only 2-3% assembled by hand. Typical orders are for truck-load quantities.

R. J. Dungey & Sons invested in a Campbell Excalibur in 1989 and added a GBN Patriot in 1996. The company bought its first GBN Redi-Stak lumber stacker in 2000 and added a second Excalibur in 2001. Another Redi-Stak was added this year. Both of the Excaliburs are tandem nailing machines.

Bill has enjoyed a good business relationship with the principals of GBN and Sandy Campbell, a manufacturer’s representative of GBN. “I’ve always found Sandy a straight shooter,” said Bill, “and I’ve always enjoyed doing business with them. The machines do what they say they will. If not, they look after it.”

Since R. J. Dungey & Sons manufactures so many different pallet sizes and footprints, orders vary a lot, and no particular machine is dedicated to assembling certain pallets.

The Excalibur has a fast cycle time — eight seconds for a stringer pallet and 10 seconds for a block pallet. It comes with the features that are common for GBN nailing machines and systems: countersunk nails using Tru-Driver™ compensating nail chucks, top of the line pallet stackers, computerized diagnostic system that troubleshoots the machine via telephone, and sensors to detect missing nails. An optimizing system allows the Excalibur to control a pallet's size from all directions for consistent dimensions even if stringer thickness varies by a ½-inch; the optimizing feature is available on other GBN nailing machines.

GBN’s systems include three manual nailers, Models 60, 72 and 100, with stringer lengths up to 100 inches and 42 nail feeds.

In semi-automated and automated systems, the GBN Patriot is a single nailer with a stacker for automatic nailing of deck boards that are positioned by hand; the Patriot is also available in a version that can assemble both block and stringer pallets as well as decks or top mats.

The GBN Explorer is also a single nailer. According to GBN, it is the only single nailer system that has flow-through assembly and automatic turning of the pallet for fast cycle time.

The GBN Trailblazer is an entry-level system featuring two nailers in-line; the first nailer builds the bottom of the pallet and the second assembles the top. The Trailblazer, which has a fast change-over time, has a turner and stacker for high production; it is available in systems to nail both block and stringer pallets. The Trailblazer uses a reciprocating jig or fixture to assemble the block pallet through the first nailer. While it is a more economical machine for producing block or stringer pallets, the Trailblazer uses the same nailers, turners, stackers, power units and parts as other GBN pallet assembly systems. The Trailblazer can assemble 1,200 to 1,500 block pallets per shift, according to GBN. When equipped with optional deck board feeders and set up for stringer pallets, the Trailblazer has the same production cycle time as the Excalibur.

GBN’s line of pallet nailing systems can manufacture a wide variety of pallets and sizes, including both stringer and block styles, as well as mats. GBN also is committed to supplying custom applications of its machinery. “If a customer makes something out of the ordinary, we will make our equipment work for them,” said Raj. GBN nailing systems are designed to accommodate modifications that will allow assembly of pallets of unusual configurations. With custom modifications, GBN machines can assemble virtually any type of pallet. In addition, GBN nailing systems can 'grow' in modular fashion to fit a company's needs as it changes and grows.

The GBN owners pride themselves on being accessible to their customers. “All of us work in the plant,” said Rod. “When you call, you don't get an answering machine. You either get an owner or a secretary who will put you through to us. You can reach us. We think that's important to our customers. They have learned that we back our machines to the hilt.”

Earlier this year, GBN announced the development of a new nailing head that incorporates many improvements now standard on new GBN nailing systems.

The improvements were aimed at reducing down time and making the machines truly user-friendly. Another benefit is longer stringer length up to 66 inches; stringer length previously had been limited to 60 inches.

The redesigned frame utilizes linear bearings to guide the driving head, chuck bars and board fence. These roller bearings offer less resistance to motion when compared to the oil-impregnated nylon-against-metal or metal-on-metal guideways that have been used until now.

Linear bearings also remove all unwanted clearance that standard guides require to operate. In addition, they do not require as much lubrication because they are sealed against contaminates entering the bearing or the loss of lubrication from the bearing.

GBN also has gone to tubular steel construction of the frame and most of its components; this allows for easier assembly and added strength and durability.

Other improvements include the driving head cylinder mounting, which now uses a clevis and pin at both ends, making it easier to service and maintain the machine.

For more information, contact any member of the GBN team, Paul, Rod or Raj, at 800-446-9871 or (804) 448-2033, fax (804) 448-2684 or e-mail gbnmach@bealenet.com.

Macon Machine's new Auto Pallet Plus TC-100 is an easy-to-use, total control system that replaces relay logic controls on older Viking Duo-Matics nailing machines. The TC-100 system also can be used to replace the control systems on Viking models 503 and 504 that are equipped with the Symax system.

The Auto Pallet TC-100 modernizes these older automated pallet assembly machines for a new era of service using the latest Allen-Bradley PLC technology. This powerful, flexible and easy-to-operate system gives the operator total control of all machine functions with the added benefit of touch screen operation.

The Macon Machine Auto Pallet Plus TC-100 features:

! Allen-Bradley PLC

! Touch Screen Controls

! Screen read-out can be in English, Spanish, French and other languages

! Memory stores 100 pallet designs

! Eliminates relays, timers and cams

! Continuous pallet drift correction

! Nail and board placement changes can be made on ‘the fly’

! Telephone modem for program up-grades and troubleshooting

The Macon Machine Auto Pallet Plus TC-100 consists of new electrical panels for #1 and #2 machine plus all new wiring for both machines.

Installation and training is done on-site and takes three to four days.

For more information, contact Macon Machine (662) 726-5101

In the 1980s, Barry Landers was in the pallet manufacturing business, using hand nailers to build the pallets. One of the problems he encountered was shiners, nails protruding from sides of stringers on a finished pallet. A common problem in the pallet industry, shiners are unsightly, dangerous and unacceptable to the customer.

While searching for a solution to this problem, Barry explored the market place for a suitable nailing machine that would eliminate shiners and reduce labor costs as well. However, he was not satisfied with the nailing machines that were available. Using his knowledge of the pallet building process and associated problems, Barry built the prototype for the first Pallet Chief nailing machine in his shop at home.

“It wasn’t pretty at all,” Barry recalled, “but when we tried it, we knew our shiner problem was solved. We put the prototype to work and found that it also increased our production drastically.”

Barry was so pleased with his prototype that he applied for and received a patent. Then he built three more nailing machines for his pallet company.

Barry realized that other pallet manufacturers were in the same situation he had been. They needed a faster way to build pallets, but they also needed an economical machine at a price they could afford. He decided to market his Pallet Chief Nailer.

Barry thought the best way to introduce his new nailer to the market would be to demonstrate it for other pallet companies. He and his crew took the machine to the Kentucky Wood Expo in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the first Pallet Chief received an outstanding response. The unique sound of the Pallet Chief drew a crowd during demonstrations, and the simplicity of the nailer generated considerable excitement among visitors to the trade show.

“We built it simple,” Barry explained, “so it’s simple to operate and simple to maintain — so simple that practically anybody can do it.”

There are currently four standard nailing machine models in the Pallet Chief line. The Standard Pallet Chief I, II and III can be used to assemble three-stringer pallets ranging from 34×34 to 58×58. They can be equipped with a standard stacker, a deluxe in-line stacker, or a right or left angle stacker. Options include attachments for nailing pallets made with four stringers and wing pallets. The Standard Pallet Chief IV can build pallets ranging from 34×34 to 58×58 and comes with a right-angle deluxe stacker.

The machines use collated nails and are of a simple yet rugged design with no computer components. They require only 110 volts and compressed air. The machines feature one-man or two-man operation, fast set-up time and low maintenance.

Pallet Chief nailers use a gantry system that holds power nailing tools driving the nails. The Pallet Chief IV features a two-gantry system that can hold up to eight nailing tools for four-stringer pallets. Assembling three-stringer pallets, the Pallet Chief IV can drive 18,000 nails before reloading.

Pallet Chief nailers range in potential production speeds from one pallet in two minutes to more than two pallets per minute. The Pallet Chief IV can assemble two or more pallets per minute with two operators.

Johnny Johnson with Richmond Forest Products in Rockingham, N. C. bought a Pallet Chief IV Model 5848 with a Deluxe Left Angle Stacker in April 2000. When asked about his experience with the Pallet Chief, Johnny said, ” I like the simplicity of the system. It’s so simple that set-up is easy, operating cost is low, down time is minimal and maintenance cost also is very low. I like the ‘after the sale’ back-up that Pallet Chief gives. We can call on them anytime.”

Two men building light-weight 48×40 pallets on the Pallet Chief machine average over 100 pallets per hour, Johnny reported. Nailing heavy-duty 48×40 pallets, the average is over 80 per hour.

” There have been a lot of pallets built on this machine,” said Johnny. “We have averaged 3,500 to 4,000 per week ever since we bought the Pallet Chief machine. It’s a very good machine for the money.”

Dan May with Pallets Plus in Topeka, Kansas bought a Pallet Chief III Model 4848 with a Deluxe Right Angle Stacker in 1998. After using the Pallet Chief III for four years, Dan said, “One of the best things is the simplicity of the system. You only need 110 volts and air, you’re up and running and making money.

“The Pallet Chief III nailing system is good for us in building ‘combo’ pallets (a combination of new and recycled material),” Dan continued. “We can be sure that the nails are driven in good. That’s a big plus. We don’t have to worry about shiners. Also, our men aren’t worn out at the end of the day like they would be if they were hand nailing.”

Pallet Chief machines and systems range in price from $6,490 to $55,000. Special systems are priced per customer specifications.

For more information, contact Pallet Chief Mfg. at 800-339-2925, fax 256-249-4975, e-mail to palletchiefsales@palletchief.com, or visit the Web site at www.palletchief.com.

Storti entered the North American pallet and sawmill market last year. The Italian manufacturing company, which produces automated pallet assembly systems and sawmill equipment, is well known in Europe and retained G. Wine Sales as its exclusive agent and representative in North America.

Storti is a family-owned business headed by Giancarlo Storti. The company, launched by his father, has been manufacturing wood-working machinery for more than 40 years.

Storti manufactures two automated pallet nailing systems — beam-type tandem nailing machines — that are being marketed to North America under the model names Flex 2200 and Flex 2600. The Storti nailing machines use bulk pallet nails, which are less expensive than collated fasteners. When nailing mats for block pallets, a steel plate will ensure the nails are clinched.

In beam-type nailing machines, stringer pallets are oriented so that the stringers are parallel to the line of hydraulic-driven nailers. The machine drives all the nails at one time that are required to fasten deck boards to one stringer, then advances the pallet to the next stringer, and so on. Generally, beam-type nailers are faster than machines in which the pallet is oriented so that the deck boards are parallel to the line of nailers; these latter type of nailing machines drive all the nails required for a deck board, than advance the pallet one deck board at a time.

Storti has several machines operating in North America. One is at MacDermid Pallet and Lumber in Watford, Ontario. The company has about 25 employees and produces about 550,000 pallets and crates annually. Most pallets are built by machine.

Company president Ray MacDermid was considering investing in a beam-type nailing machine. His company makes solid deck pallets, and he wanted to increase production from an existing nailing machine. At a National Wooden Pallet and Container Association meeting, he had an opportunity to talk with Greg Wine, president of G. Wine Sales, who told him about Storti. Ray had never heard of the Italian company. He talked with Greg subsequently several times about Storti and obtained some more information via the Internet. Eventually he decided to accompany Greg on a trip to Italy to visit Storti’s factory and to see its nailing machines at work in European pallet plants.

The tandem nailing machine he ordered from Storti arrived earlier this year, and Ray’s staff installed it in May in less than two days. There has been a learning curve in the operation of the nailer, just as there is in any machine, but the company now is operating it at full speed. The machine runs one shift about three and a half days per week.

When asked what kind of job the machine was doing, Ray answered with one word: “Excellent.”

Cycle time is virtually the same, regardless of the kind of pallet. Ray has witnessed a dramatic increase in production. The Storti system assembles pallets at an average rate of about 275 per hour, he said. His company previously was building about 400 pallets in a 10-hour shift.

Three employees run the machine and place pallet components onto the assembly line when the Storti is assembling stringer pallets of 48 inches or less.

The machine has performed well in nailing tough hardwood components, said Ray.

He plans to sell two other nailing machines and transfer the production on those machines to the Storti, but also may add another machine.

The company has experienced virtually no downtime with the machine, according to Ray.

“One of the big things that intrigued me – I’ve owned several different nailers and have looked at several others. The construction on this machine – it’s a lifetime machine. It’s built several times heavier than anything out there,” with the exception of some other European-built machines that are priced significantly higher.

“And it’s not a complicated machine,” Ray added. Maintenance is very simple and is done on a 30-day schedule.

Another indication of their durability is the experience of other pallet companies. As a representative for G. Wine Sales, Ray’s company also stocks Storti replacement parts for Storti customers in North America. “Nobody ever calls for them,” said Ray.

Ray also was suitably impressed with Storti as a family-owned business. “Giancarlo Storti’s passion is to make equipment, and to make it well,” he said. When he visited Storti customers in Europe, Ray recalled, “Every place that I was with him, every different pallet plant, he had his shirt sleeves rolled up. And this is a multi-multi-million dollar company…He’s excited about what he does.”

Ray has begun representing G. Wine Sales in Canada for sales of Storti machines, but he noted that his decision to invest in the system was based on his pallet business – not on selling the Storti line. “I bought a machine so I could try to make this pallet business profitable when margins are almost nonexistent,” he said. “I bought it as a pallet person, not a Storti representative.”

The Storti machines are flexible, noted Greg. “You can build stringer or block pallets on the same line. They can also be easily expanded or adapted for other in-line machines, such as automatic chamfering, corner-trimming, and branding.” If a company manufactures pallets that require those operations, “Once you buy the line, you can add those into it.”

The Flex 2200 is a less automated system and requires manual placement of pallet parts. “The only real difference,” Greg explained, “is that the 2600 has automatic board feeders.” For pallet manufacturers with customers that use a painted pallet, Storti can supply completely automated painting lines.

The Storti pallet nailing systems can build pallets as large as 59×59. They can assemble pallets containing two to five stringers and wing pallets.

“The biggest advantage is being able to build block and stringer pallets,”said Greg. Block pallets are going to be increasingly important in transporting manufactured goods, he noted. The Europallet, the standard pallet in Europe, is a block-style pallet. In North America, CHEP no longer builds stringer pallets.

“If you’re going to buy a nailing machine, it’s better to buy for the future,” said Greg. “And with this machine, even if you only build stringer pallets now, you have the capability down the road to make block pallets, too.”

The Storti nailing systems are equipped with optional video cameras and monitors that enable the operators to see the pallet on the other side of the nailing station that was just assembled or partly assembled. The machines are equipped with sensors that automatically detect if a nail was missed, and the operator will be alerted at the monitor. A unique feature of the Storti system is a powered steel bed outfeed conveyor behind the pallet stacker at the end of the line.

Storti nailing systems are equipped with a unique self-diagnostic feature at the control panel. “If the machine stops running, the operator can hit a button, and it will diagnose the problem,” said Greg.

The information systems on the Storti nailing line are bi-lingual — another important benefit. The monitor on the control panel can communicate with the operator in five different languages, including Spanish. “You hit the button for Spanish, and that’s what it reads out,” said Greg.

Storti also produces pallet design computer software and pallet testing equipment. The company’s Pall-Pro software, which comes free with Storti nailing systems, allows the user to build a virtual pallet based on the dimensions of the components. The user can choose nail types and where to place them. The software will produce basic specifications and print two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings. “You design the pallet and it prints it out,” said Greg. “It’s a good sales tool to show a customer.”

Storti also manufactures complete turnkey scragg mill lines — and individual components — for processing small logs. Components include log sorting and handling equipment, metal detectors and debarking systems, slasher saws, scragg mills, multi-rip saws, and edger and slab recovery lines.

In addition to representing Storti’s line of pallet nailing machinery and scragg mill systems, G. Wine Sales represents West Plains Resaw Co. line of equipment and has ventured into developing and manufacturing pallet equipment with the G. Wine Sales name plate. The company also brokers sales of used pallet and sawmill machinery. “We have the most complete line of equipment and services offered by any supplier in the pallet industry,” said Greg.

For more information about Storti or its products, contact G. Wine Sales at (540) 644-9220, fax (540) 663-4081, visit its Web site at www.palletmachinery.com, or e-mail palletmachinery@hotmail.com.

In addition to its extensive line-up of automated pallet assembly systems, Viking Engineering & Development offers the pallet industry two ways to automate pallet assembly operations or upgrade without the capital investment required of a new machine.

Viking offers a new Total Coverage service and support program on purchases of select previously owned Viking equipment from Viking. Another new service significantly improves a line of older machines. These options provide pallet manufacturers with the renowned capability of Viking nailing equipment at a more affordable cost.

The new Viking Duo-Pro is a computer controlled pallet programmer for Viking’s older line of Duo-Matic nailing machines. This add-on PLC allows the Duo-Matic to store and recall 100-plus pallet nail configurations without using nail cams.

Viking Duo-Pro provides the following benefits:

! faster change-over

! decreased nailing time

! more precise nail placement and improved pallet quality

! elimination of sensor damage from bent or misaligned nail cams

The Viking Duo-Pro features a controller at each operator station for fast set-ups. Touch screen controls allow initial set-up and recall of pallet nail programs. The system has dual language capability for both English and Spanish-speaking workers.

The system is installed by Viking technicians, and Viking provides on-site training for operators and machine maintenance personnel. The Viking Duo-Pro comes with a trouble-shooting guide and parts list and a 30-day limited warranty.

Tasler Pallet Inc. in Indiana recently upgraded a Viking Duo-Matic with Viking’s Duo Pro service, and Doug Jacobsen was enthusiastic about the results. “We’ve had our Duo Pro for almost two months now,” he said, “and it’s running great! Our pallet production has increased significantly. We are now making 400 more pallets per shift, increasing our Duo-Matic’s capacity. I would definitely recommend the Duo Pro to others!”

The Total Coverage plan is a five-point service program for select pre-owned pallet assembly systems offered by Viking. The five points are:

1. System inspection and repair.

2. 30-day limited warranty.

3. Spare parts and tool kit.

4. Professional cleaning.

5. Installation and training package with operator and service manuals.

The Total Coverage plan also comes with one year of phone tech support at no additional cost. When buying pre-owned machines under Viking’s Total Coverage plan, pallet manufacturers receive a machine that has been thoroughly inspected and tested at the factory, where optional upgrades may be installed. It arrives freshly cleaned, tested and ready to go to work. The Total Coverage program ensures the previously-owned system will operate smoothly. And the warranty provides manufacturers with confidence and peace of mind.

The Viking Total Coverage plan includes a thorough check at the factory for the following systems:

! pneumatics

! hydraulics

! mechanical

! electrical

! safety

At the factory, the machine is inspected, and technicians identify what replacement parts are required. Once the improvements are approved, the machine is scheduled through the shop and a shipping date is set. After repair and cleaning, Viking test runs the system to ensure the customer will receive a quality pre-owned machine.

The Viking Total Coverage program is available on the purchase of select pre-owned Champion models, Sentinel, Duo-Max and Turbo-Max machines from Viking.

Viking, a 100% employee-owned company, now manufactures four principal nailing systems. All Viking nailing machines use bulk nails.

The Turbo 505 is Viking’s largest and most efficient nailer. This tandem nailing machine can assemble pallets made with three or four stringers and up to 72 inches long. Features include programmable controller, high-efficiency hydraulics, automatic board feeder lubrication, automatic pneumatic filter drains, electronic variable-drive star turner, and software that allows the design, storage and recall of hundreds of pallet sizes and styles.

Viking made a number of improvements to its Champion automated pallet assembly system and gave the upgraded model a new name, the Champion QC305. It is a mid-volume nailer with advanced precision. The Champion QC305, which can be operated by one worker, can assemble pallets made of two, three and four stringers and up to 72 inches long. Features include programmable controller, memory for 40 pallet sizes and designs, quick change stringer rails and side load stringer feeder, and more.

The Viking Sentinel is affordably designed to automate low-volume stringer pallet assembly with capabilities to increase pallet volume and quality. With one operator it can assemble about 300 new pallets per day. The Sentinel can assemble pallets up to 60×60 using bulk nails and new or used lumber that may not be suitable for other systems. The footprint of the Sentinel is small, fitting into a 9-foot by 26-foot area, including stacked pallets.

Viking also manufactures special machines. For more information, contact Viking at (800) 328-2403, fax (763) 586-7379, e-mail sales@vikingeng.com, or visit the Web site at www.vikingeng.com.