A pallet inverter or pile turner is a machine that is used to turn over pallet

Pallet

A pallet , sometimes called a skid, is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, front loader or other jacking device. A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiencies...

s whilst still loaded with products. The reasons for needing to turn over a pallet are varied, but one main reason is the need to replace a broken or inappropriate pallet without unstacking the whole load. Sometimes a manufacturer simply needs to turn their products to stop their contents settling. In some industries, it is necessary to transfer goods from one type of pallet to another – for example, when plastic pallets are used for on-site storage and wooden pallets are used for shipping. Pallet inverters can be built into production line

Production line

A production line is a set of sequential operations established in a factory whereby materials are put through a refining process to produce an end-product that is suitable for onward consumption; or components are assembled to make a finished article....

s or be used as a stand alone product. The term pallet inverter is also used to cover machines that turn the palletised load through 90 degrees only.