Pallet Mole® in Focus: The Legacy Product Powering High-Density Storage
Before multi-shuttle systems took center stage, one innovation laid the groundwork for high-density automation in deep lane warehousing: the **Pallet Mole®**. As Spacemaker’s longest-standing automated product, Pallet Mole® remains a **cornerstone of cold storage and high-volume distribution**, delivering performance, durability, and simplicity at scale.
Even today, Pallet Mole® is the system of choice for companies seeking to maximize storage density with fewer moving parts—and that trust is built on decades of results.
The Technology Behind the Legacy
Pallet Mole® is a semi-automated deep lane shuttle that transports pallets along rails inside racking structures. Unlike fully autonomous shuttle fleets, a single Mole can serve multiple lanes, retrieving and storing loads with high precision and minimal operator intervention.
Operators simply:
- Place the Mole into the lane
- Use a handheld remote or mobile controller
- Direct it to deposit or retrieve pallets as needed
It’s simple, rugged, and effective—especially for environments where throughput is steady and labor reliability is critical.
Designed for Harsh Environments
From day one, Pallet Mole® was built for freezers, processing plants, and logistics hubs with extreme conditions. Today’s units are:
- Rated for -40°C / -40°F environments
- Equipped with LiFePO4 battery systems for longer cycles
- Built with cold-rated electronics and sealed housings*
- Deployed in ambient, chilled, and frozen applications
Its rugged design has made it a staple for companies like Americold®, Nestlé®, and Lineage Logistics*, where performance under pressure isn’t optional.
Operational Simplicity Meets Density Efficiency
Pallet Mole® is particularly effective for:
- FIFO and LIFO inventory strategies
- Batch-based fulfillment (e.g., poultry, dairy, beverage)
- Drive-in rack replacements seeking improved safety and maintenance
- Facilities with limited vertical clearance
Customers report storage density gains of up to 90% in existing floorplans and a significant reduction in forklift traffic and rack damage.
The Foundation for Future Automation
For many Spacemaker clients, Pallet Mole® is the first step into automation—a cost-effective alternative to full shuttle systems. It integrates with MGM™ and WMS platforms for inventory visibility and can be scaled up or upgraded with additional units as operational needs grow.
Its simple design, proven durability, and low maintenance requirements make it a strategic starting point for facilities looking to modernize gradually while seeing fast ROI.
