Nailing machines that can assemble a pallet with some level of automation are a vital piece of equipment for many pallet manufacturing businesses — and even some pallet recycling businesses.
If you are considering investing in a nailing machine, investigate the options and ask, “Which kind of equipment and which manufacturer is best for my business?”
In the accompanying guide, we provide information about companies that supply nailing machines to the pallet industry. We have solicited each company for a description of its nailing machine products and also provide their contact information and website address.
The Pallet Enterprise website (www.palletenterprise.com) is a great place to research options. You can enter keywords and look for different stories under the “Pallet Manufacturing” category on the top right of the homepage.
Major Types of Pallet Nailers
Broadly speaking, there are two types of machines to nail pallets. One group uses hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical power to drive bulk fasteners. The other group uses pneumatic nailing tools and collated fasteners for assembling pallets. The first group generally represents a higher capital investment. However, they offer the advantage that bulk fasteners cost less than collated fasteners.
Within both groups, there are many differences, such as ‘stitch’ nailing machines and ‘beam’ nailers. Stitch nailing machines drive nails into one deck board at a time; the pallet is advanced automatically or a nailing gantry passes over it to continue the nailing process. Beam nailing machines are designed so that the pallet is oriented 90 degrees compared to a stitch nailer; it nails all the deck boards onto one stringer at one time. There are additional differences. Some machines will have one nailing station or head, and the pallet is turned over so the top face can be nailed. Tandem nailing machines have two nailing stations; after the bottom face is nailed, the pallet advances to the next station and is turned over to nail the top face. Optional equipment may include branders, stencilers, corner cutters and other features. A relatively new improvement in the industry is the ability of some nailing machines to assemble pallets of recycled lumber. Also, some pallet machinery suppliers have developed technology using advanced automation and/or robotics to eliminate manual lumber handing.
Some companies also offer jigs that can be used to assemble pallets with pneumatic nailing tools and collated fasteners. They typically are set up on an incline to make the work easier. Some require the pallet to be nailed by hand, while others will nail the pallet automatically.
As with any capital expenditure, business owners should consider their return on investment. You need to calculate how long it will take to recoup the cost of the machine. That will require determining the number of pallets that would have to be nailed on the machine per day, and whether your business will support that volume.
Other factors to consider include what the machine can do for you. How versatile is it? For example, what’s the smallest pallet it can assemble and the largest? How quickly can it be changed over to a different pallet? What is the cycle time, or how long does it take to assemble one pallet? Will the machine be used to assemble stringer pallets or block pallets? Can it nail pallets with four stringers? Can it nail wing pallets? Can the machine be expanded or modified in the future to increase production or nail a larger range of pallets? How many operators does it require? What about automated features to reduce labor? Another key consideration is pallet quality.
As with any machine, it will need regular maintenance and service. What about your employees — what kind of expertise and technical skills do the people have who will be operating and maintaining the machine? Does the machine have any self-diagnostic systems? Are smartphone apps available to help monitor production or identify performance issues? What kind of service and support can you expect from the manufacturer? Does the machine use off-the-shelf or custom parts available only from the manufacturer?
It’s worth noting that there are obviously benefits from some level of automation. They begin with faster, consistent pallet production. Machine-nailed pallets also are going to be of better and more consistent quality than pallets assembled by hand. Another significant benefit is making the work easier for employees.
If you have not done business in the past with the manufacturer or their representative, ask for referrals to other customers, including other customers who own the machine you are considering purchasing. Talk to other customers about their experience with the machine and the supplier. You may even want to visit a few locations to see the machinery in operation. If you are going to make a significant investment in a nailing machine, it is worth it to see the machine in operation, especially with the kind of lumber you will use and building the type of pallets you envision.
Do your homework and be smart. There are many suppliers out there that can provide a nailing machine to fit your company’s needs. You just need to make sure that you find the right one.
Bronco Pallet Systems
Contact: Morris Self
Phone: (800) 458-5462
Email: broncosys@gmail.com
Website: www.broncosys.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated
Bronco Pallet Systems manufactures patented block and stringer pallet assembly systems. Newer systems are engineered for assembling larger sizes and styles of pallets.
Most of the company’s nailing systems consist of an inclined work station with a jig for workers to place pallet components. They are equipped with pneumatic nailing tools mounted on a cable or spring to eliminate the need for the worker to constantly pick up and put down the nailing tool. After nailing one face of the pallet, the worker turns the pallet over to place in the components for the other face and nails them. Bronco nailing systems typically are equipped with a stacker on the back to accumulate and stack finished pallets.
The Bronco Mustang 4000 is an automated nailing system with optional powered nailing gantry. Other features include power roll-out and accumulator and coils of 3,000 collated nails.
Bronco nailing systems require one operator and work well with recycled lumber. They require little maintenance and take only a small footprint on the shop floor. Bronco equipment has a five-year warranty.
Bronco also will design and build nailing systems for assembling oversize pallets, skids, and other custom pallets.
CAPE
Contact: Jeff Williams
Phone: (217) 291-0009
Email: jwilliams@prsgroupinc.com
Website: www.prsgroupinc.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Bulk Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated
CAPE is a family business established in 1969 in Spain with a worldwide presence in more than 45 countries. Sales and support of all Cape equipment in the U.S. and Canada are through PRS Group.
CAPE is one of the world’s leading suppliers of automatic equipment for the production of wooden pallets, cable reels, and lumber sorting and stacking. From basic equipment to fully automated lines, CAPE uses the latest and best technology to ensure success on every project. Its constant investment in research and development makes CAPE the right partner for wood products producers with long-term vision.
The CAPE design philosophy is to create modular equipment that allows expansion to increase productivity and reduce labor. The MACH series nailing lines ensure minimum set-up times for both block and stringer pallets. The TANDEM nailing lines are suited for medium-long series of both block and stringer pallets.
Corali-USA
Contact: Dustin Johnson
Phone: (651) 274-8171
Email: Dustin@StitchingandGluing.com
Website: www.Corali-USA.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Bulk Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Fully Automated
Corali, based in Italy, is a leading manufacturer of wood pallet, wood box, and wood cable drum nailing equipment. Corali-USA supplies these highly flexible, complete production lines to the U.S. and Canadian markets; its office in Ohio provides dependable sales, parts and service with guaranteed parts stock and veteran pallet machinery technicians. Dustin Johnson is the Technical Sales Manager of Corali-USA and has 25 years of experience in pallet making and machine maintenance.
Corali offers nailing machines for decks, stringer pallets, block pallets, IBC pallets, and more. An array of modules enables customizing your production line to enhance productivity, speed and customization.
Recent machine adjustments have been made to address the unique challenges North American pallet manufacturers face with wood and labor. Corali has proven qualified to solve these tough issues.
Corali has developed some of the fastest pallet nailing machines in the world with the quickest changeover times. Many models can be changed over to a different pallet in a matter of seconds, not minutes. Computerized, motorized controls automatically adjust various parts of the machine to accommodate a new pallet size without the need to perform any tasks manually.
Corali’s leading-edge technology offers excellent versatility and customization. The machines are designed and built to allow the addition of new modules for increased flexibility as a company’s markets change. Modules include robotic board feeders, nail pressers, corner cutting, block cutting and introducers, automatic mat or deck assembly, automatic banding equipment, stitching stations, painting and drying units, and robotic stackers.
Highly flexible, Corali offers complete production lines for all budgets.
GBN Machine and Engineering Corp.
Contact: Raj Nainani or Paul Bailey
Phone: (800) 446-9871
Email: gbnmach@verizon.net
Website: www.nailerman.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Bulk Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated
Based in Virginia, GBN Machine and Engineering Corp. manufactures new equipment to build wooden pallets of both block and stringer configurations. It offers several machine options that fill the need for low, medium and high-volume requirements for both block and stringer pallets. GBN also manufactures custom equipment.
The standard Patriot stringer pallet system will build pallets with two to seven stringers. It can be equipped with three nail pans to utilize two different nail lengths on the same pallet.
The Patriot block and stringer pallet system will build stringer pallets as above and also will build block pallets utilizing a fixture. GBN fixtures feature an air clamp system. Pallet components go in easy, and the finished pallet comes out easy — no pry bars required.
The Trailblazer stringer pallet system is a two-head system; the first head nails the bottom of the pallet, and the second head nails the top of the pallet. It is an excellent system for using lesser-quality components as the deck boards are placed by hand and the stringers are loaded into a hopper by hand. Options include automatic deck board and stringer feeders and features to enable assembly of block pallets.
The Excalibur stringer pallet system is GBN’s premier machine for stringer pallet production. It will do everything the Trailblazer does but comes with both the automatic stringer and deck board feeders. The Excalibur II block pallet system is a machine for high production nailing of block pallets.
J&J Machinery LLC
Contact: Jeffery Purnell
Phone: (850) 712-4975
Email: JJMachinery1@gmail.com
Website: www.JandJMachinery.com
J&J Machinery provides service to any type of pallet nailing machine or other wooden product assembly machine.
J&J Machinery offers tailored services to customers looking for machinery solutions. The company began by offering an aftermarket process to upgrade older nailing machines with current technology – eliminating relay logic and applying automation and encoder measurement.
J&J Machinery now offers services to update any nailing machine, regardless of original manufacturer, to current standards and beyond. It can also convert modern machines to easily sourced logic controllers and human-machine interfaces. This makes it easy for owners and maintenance personnel to service or replace these integral parts if things go awry.
If your company does not have a nailing machine or needs another, J&J Machinery can help supply one. In addition to conventional pallet equipment, J&J offers custom services to build machinery for assembling almost any wooden product, such as reel flanges, box sides and bottoms, and more.
Midwest Machinery & Automation
Contact: Del Wagner
Phone: (217) 621-2133
Email: Del@woodpeckermachine.com
Website: www.woodpeckermachine.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, New and Recycled Lumber.
Midwest Machinery & Automation (MMA) offers nailing machines to build new pallets and skids, including block and stringer pallets, plus machines for recycled pallets and skids.
MMA is the exclusive distributor for Woodpecker and Woodpecker Junior nailing machines. Woodpecker and Woodpecker Junior nailing machines are built in Ohio and have been since 2001. There are now over 300 machines operating in North America. Every machine is built to customer specifications on a tested platform and can produce stringer and block pallets, mats, or crate sides. All Woodpecker nailing machines are high-production, low-maintenance machines that increase productivity, employee retention, and profitability.
The recently redesigned MASTer Recycler nailing machine is the original collated nailing machine that builds stringer pallets made exclusively of recycled lumber. Recent improvements include an automatic pallet flipper that further reduces operator fatigue. This machine builds recycled pallets with less skilled labor while providing better ergonomics and comfort for less exposure to repetitive motion injuries and claims.
MMA also provides custom machines and solutions for unique and unusual wooden crates, pallets, and containers. All machines are built in the U.S. and with as many domestic components as possible. All frames are built and fabricated with U.S. steel and tradesmen.
Pallet Machinery Group
Contact: Doug Jones
Phone: (540) 644-9220
Email: doug.jones@palletmachinery.com
Website: www.PalletMachinery.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Bulk Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated
Pallet Machinery Group offers bulk nail pallet assembly lines from both Storti and Pallet Machinery Service, Inc. Pallets assembled with bulk nails have greater structural integrity, so they are far less prone to lateral collapse and can be transported many more times than those assembled with collated nails.
Storti offers one of the widest catalogs of block and stringer pallet nailing equipment available in the world. It includes semi-automatic, manually-fed nailing machines to highly automated systems utilizing robots for low labor solutions. Storti offers in-line chamfering, in-line painting, in-line branding/stenciling, and in-line corner cutting.
For stringer pallets for the U.S., Storti offers the new Freedom Flex 41/42 LZ pallet assembly line. It nails the entire board with one stroke and compensates for non-uniform deck boards and stringer height variation.
Pallet Machinery Service offers fully refurbished nailing machines, including the LZ2000 tandem nailer, which can produce 1,800-plus stringer pallets per shift.
Pallet Machinery Service brings new life to tandem nailers by incorporating state-of-the-art electrical upgrades and custom-built hydraulics. It also offers in-the-field upgrades, such as the LZ2000 electrical package, overhead hydraulic upgrade, and more to help your company get the absolute most out of your machine.
Pallet Machinery Service carries a large inventory of parts at competitive pricing.
Rayco Industries, Inc.
Contact: Devin McDaniel or Bryan Spangler
Phone: (800) 505-7111
Email: pallets@raycoindustries.com
Website: www.raycoindustries.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Stringer Pallets, Automated
Rayco Industries manufactures automated pallet nailing machines that use collated nails. It has installed over 400 machines across North America and Australia since the early 1990s.
The Rayco Pallet Pro requires one or two operators and has a cycle time of 20-30 seconds. It features a stringer feed system, an automatic pallet flipper to nail the top face, and automatic stacking station.
Being pneumatically controlled and having easy accessibility to parts as well as a quick changeover time, the Pallet Pro is simple to operate and maintain. The operator panel features a PLC with an LCD touch screen for ease of use and immediate operation feedback.
The standard Pallet Pro system features a three-stringer nailing table, stacker, and 10-foot outfeed roll table.
The Rayco Edge is also a one-operator machine and has a typical cycle time of 60 seconds. It features automatic stacking and discharge of completed stacks. The Edge can nail pallets made with recycled components. Like the Pallet Pro, it is simple to operate and maintain and can be changed over quickly.
Rayco nailing machines require 70 or 80 Series pneumatic nailing tools. Their performance and reliability allow the gantry to nail deck boards ‘on the fly’ at high speed without stopping.
RT Pallet Equipment
Contact: Robert Trembley
Phone: (306) 737-3310
Email: roberttrembley@hotmail.com
Website: www.rtpalletequip.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Block and Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated Jigs with Stackers.
RT Pallet Equipment specializes in the Third Man semi-automated jigs with automatic stackers.
The company offers reliable, low-maintenance jigs that one man can operate to build pallets of all sizes and pairs them with automatic stackers. The jigs are on an incline to make it easy to place pallet stock. They operate with pneumatic nailing tools mounted on a counter-weighted gantry that is easily moved over the pallet and automatically nails one side of the pallet. The jigs can be used with any type of lumber. Jigs and stackers are fully pneumatic; no electric power is required.
The company offers systems to assemble pallets made of three stringers, four stringers, and fivei stringers and can design and build systems for custom-size pallets.
RT Pallet Equipment has been offering the Third Man nailing systems for 15 years, and more than 300 of the systems are in operation.
The company puts a high priority on customer needs and designing and building pallet nailing systems to meet those needs. A high percentage of its business comes from repeat customers and referrals.
Universal Machinery Sales Inc.
Contact: Mona Tracy
Phone: (812) 298-8090
Email: sales.universalmachinerysales@gmail.com
Website: www.universalmachinerysales.net
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated
Indiana-based Universal Machinery Sales offers semi-automatic and fully automatic nailing machines to assemble wood pallets. The company also offers three pallet nailing jigs: the Nail Ease, Nailing Station and the Revo revolving table jig; they are designed for short runs or start-up operations. Universal Machinery Sales also offers services to design and manufacture custom pallet nailing systems.
The Universal In-Line nailing machine is a complete pallet nailing system for pallets made of three or four stringers. Once stringers are loaded into the hoppers, the machine automatically feeds them into the proper slots and advances them. Bottom deck boards are placed on the stringers, and they are nailed into place.
The machine advances the pallet and automatically flips it over. After the top deck boards are inserted, the machine nails the top face of the pallet and then the bottom face of the next pallet — a continuous nailing process. Pallets are stacked automatically and exit onto a 10-foot outfeed roller table.
The standard size of the Universal In-Line nailing machine is 84×64 with larger sizes available as an option.
The Nail Mate, a semi-automatic nailing system, is available in the standard size of 50×56. The work surface is angled to reduce strain and fatigue for the operator. Nailing is activated with the push of a button. Large rolls of collated nails are used for more nailing time.
The company offers options for different pallet sizes and nailing patterns, additional stringers, and assembling pallets of new or recycled lumber.
Viking Engineering & Development
Contact: Randy Dahl
Phone: (800) 328-2403
Email: Sales@VikingEng.com
Website: www.VikingEng.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Bulk Fasteners, Primarily Stringer Pallets, Fully Automated
Viking has been a trusted partner for automated pallet equipment since 1975. The Viking family is personally invested in the growth and success of its customers.
As an industry leader with customers worldwide, Viking’s commitment is to provide superior products along with an authentic customer experience. By supplying genuine Viking parts, fasteners, and service support, Viking is the one-stop-shop for pallet assembly needs.
Viking nailing machines are engineered with innovative electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and PLC control components, representing state-of-the-art technology.
The Turbo 606 is a tandem machine that can produce upwards of 2,000 pallets per shift with three operators. It is engineered for high output, low maintenance, and quick changeovers. The Turbo 505, an industry workhorse, can produce 1,800-plus pallets per shift with three operators and is engineered for speed, reliable performance, and durability.
The Express 403 is an economical option for a tandem nailing machine. It can assemble 1,300 pallets per shift with two operators, provides consistent output, and requires low maintenance. It is powered by the Turbo Pro software so operators can integrate with third-party pallet design software.
The Champion QC306 is a single operator machine that can assemble 500-600 pallets per shift. It has the capability to use recycled and low-grade lumber; QC refers to its Quick Changeover features. Similarly, the Champion 304A Classic is a single-operator machine capable of producing upwards of 500 pallets per shift, also with the use of recycled or low-grade lumber.
Viper Industrial Products
Contact: Tony Grilo
Phone: (217) 778-5131
Email: Grilo@viper-us.com
Website: www.makepalletsgreatagain.com
Type of Nailing Systems: Collated Fasteners, Stringer Pallets, Semi-Automated and Fully Automated
Viper Industrial Products is a leader in the automated pallet equipment industry. Viper utilizes its global resources to offer a variety of products and services to the wooden pallet industry. This includes a full line of pallet nailing machines. Whether it is for a start-up, entry-level investment or to compliment a more sophisticated system, Viper has a solution.
Viper introduced the Woody nailing machine for 2020. It can produce up to 600 pallets per shift with one operator. If you get excited about building pallets, then get a Woody from Viper.
The well-known Honey Badger nailing machine allows operators to use recycled lumber of varying degrees of width, thickness and condition without adjustment or set-up. It is named the Honey Badger because ‘IT JUST DON’T CARE!’
Viper Industrial has the capacity and resources to meet your company’s automation needs. Don’t wait two years for a pallet nailing machine. Visit Viper Industrial Products at www.makepalletsgreatagain.com or call to be placed on a 90-day wait list.
