Powered-lift/manual-push straddle stackers can raise loads faster and with less physical effort than manual stackers. Also called semi-electric straddle stackers, they have an electric motor that activates their hydraulic pump to raise pallets, skids, and bulk containers. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery. These stackers must be pushed or pulled by hand, so they are best suited for applications where loads will be moved short distances. Straddle stackers have their outrigger legs positioned outside of their forks to stabilize the stackers. When a load is placed on the stackers' forks, its weight is distributed directly above these legs. The stackers' forks can completely reach the ground, which allows straddle stackers to lift any type of pallet or skid as long as there is sufficient clearance between it and the stackers' legs. Straddle stackers can maneuver in tight spaces such as aisles, loading docks, and store rooms.

Manual counterbalanced stackers have more weight behind their forks than fork-over and straddle stackers and don't require outrigger legs to stabilize them. This allows them to get closer to loads than fork-over and straddle stackers. It also allows them to pick up closed-bottom and open-bottom pallets and skids and place them in areas where stackers with projecting legs could not fit. They are used for racking, stacking, truck unloading, and feeding materials into machines in manufacturing applications. These manual stackers have a foot pedal or hand crank that operators use to activate the stackers' lifting mechanism. They are suitable for intermittent use and applications where loads will be moved and lifted short distances.

Manual straddle stackers have their outrigger legs positioned outside of their forks to stabilize the stackers. When a load is placed on the stackers' forks, its weight is distributed directly above these legs. The stackers' forks can completely reach the ground, which allows straddle stackers to lift any type of pallet or skid as long as there is sufficient clearance between it and the stackers' legs. Straddle stackers are typically lighter and more compact than counterbalanced stackers and can maneuver in tight spaces such as aisles, loading docks, and store rooms. These manual stackers have a foot pedal or hand crank that operators use to activate the stackers' lifting mechanism. They are suitable for intermittent use and applications where loads will be moved and lifted short distances.

Manual fork-over stackers have their outrigger legs positioned directly underneath their forks. They have a more compact footprint than straddle stackers and counterbalanced stackers and can maneuver in tight spaces such as aisles, loading docks, and store rooms. Fork-over stackers can only lift open-bottom pallets, skids, or containers. They are used for lifting and stacking operations, as portable lift tables, and for feeding materials into machines. These manual stackers have a foot pedal or hand crank that operators use to activate the stackers' lifting mechanism. They are suitable for intermittent use and applications where loads will be moved and lifted short distances.