9 feet or 3 runners – which base suits your plastic pallet? When choosing a pallet, most people look at the weight class first. Just as important, though, is what the pallet stands on: nine individual feet or continuous runners. This comparison sets both designs side by side across the light, medium and heavy classes, using models from our plastic pallets category, and shows what this means for high-bay racking, roller conveyors and forklifts.
The differences at a glance
The values come from the manufacturer information for our products in the 1,200 x 800 mm format. We name specific models, because the values differ considerably by manufacturer and model.
| Criterion | 9 feet | 3 runners |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Bekuplast light 9 feet, Q-PALL light 9 feet with closed deck | Bekuplast 1208 M basic+ 3RCR, TIDUS medium 1208 3R, TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N |
| Own weight | 5.8 kg to 6.0 kg | 11 kg to 16.5 kg |
| Static load capacity | 2,500 kg | 2,000 kg to 5,000 kg |
| Dynamic load capacity | 1,000 kg to 1,200 kg | 1,000 kg to 1,200 kg |
| Racking | Q-PALL: 0 kg, Bekuplast light: no value given | 500 kg to 1,000 kg |
| Stacking when empty | both models nestable | TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N with nestable longitudinal runners, no value given for the others |
| Roller conveyor | no information in the product data | TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N suitable according to the manufacturer |
The load values are supplier figures and cannot be reliably compared between manufacturers. The relevant product page always applies.
9 feet: light, nestable, for floor and transport
Pallets with 9 feet stand on nine individual supports. At 5.8 kg and 6.0 kg, the two models in this comparison are the lightest, and they can be nested inside each other when empty. This saves space when storing and transporting empty pallets.
According to the manufacturer, the Bekuplast light measuring 1,200 x 800 x 140 mm carries 2,500 kg static and 1,200 kg dynamic. It has an anti-slip edge 6 mm high and is made of polyolefin (PO). The Q-PALL light measuring 1,200 x 800 x 150 mm has a closed deck, no anti-slip edge and carries 2,500 kg static and 1,000 kg dynamic.
For high-bay racking, the product data rate the Q-PALL at 0 kg, and they give no racking value for the Bekuplast light. If you want to store pallets in high-bay racking, it is better to choose a model with a stated racking value or to clarify the use with the manufacturer in advance.
3 runners: with racking values, partly for roller conveyors
On runner pallets, continuous runners sit beneath the deck. In our selection, the runner pallets are the ones for which the product data give racking values. In return, the pallets are heavier.
The Bekuplast 1208 M basic+ 3RCR measuring 1,200 x 800 x 148 mm weighs 11 kg and carries 4,000 kg static, 1,000 kg dynamic and 500 kg in racking. It has a raised anti-slip edge 7 mm high and gives entry widths of 600 mm on the short side and 725 mm on the long side.
According to the manufacturer, the TIDUS medium 1208 3R carries 5,000 kg static, 1,200 kg dynamic and 500 kg in racking, with an own weight of 12.5 kg. The TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N with three nestable longitudinal runners offers 1,000 kg in racking, 2,000 kg static and 1,000 kg dynamic, and according to the manufacturer is suitable for roller conveyors and automated systems.
Which design for which task?
Floor storage and shipping by truck
If the pallets stand on the floor or go out for shipping, low weight and little space when empty are what count. The nestable models with 9 feet fit well here. Check the dynamic load capacity if the loaded pallet is moved with a pallet truck or forklift.
High-bay racking and roller conveyors in production
If the pallet goes into high-bay racking, the runner pallets with a stated racking value are the way to go. For roller conveyors and automated systems, the manufacturer explicitly names only the TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N, while the product data say nothing on this for the other models. Before use, check with the system manufacturer which base design your conveyor requires.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a pallet with 9 feet into high-bay racking?
The product data rate the Q-PALL at 0 kg in high-bay racking, and there is no racking value for the Bekuplast light. If you want to store pallets in high-bay racking, choose a model with a stated racking value or clarify the use with the manufacturer in advance.
Are runner pallets always heavier?
In this comparison, yes. The runner models weigh 11 kg to 16.5 kg, the models with 9 feet 5.8 kg to 6.0 kg.
What should I look for with a forklift?
Check from which sides the pallet is to be picked up, and compare the entry widths on the product page with your forks. The 1208 M basic+ 3RCR, for example, gives 600 mm and 725 mm.
Browse the range
You can find the compared pallets directly in our shop:
- Plastic pallets light 1200x800x140 mm, 9 feet, nestable, with anti-slip edge, colour black
- Plastic pallet 1200 x 800 Closed deck 9 feet light Without anti-slip edge
- Plastic pallets medium 1200x800x148 mm, 1208 M basic+ 3RCR, 3 runners, colour black
- Plastic medium Euro pallet 1200x800x150 mm TIDUS medium 1208 3R
- TIDUS heavy 1208 3R N plastic Euro pallet, 1200x800x160 mm
All other models are shown in the plastic pallets category. We are happy to advise you on +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.