Roll cradle pallet vs pallet with wedges vs pallet topper: when to use which
A roll cradle pallet has the cradle built into the pallet: choose it when rolls stay on dedicated pallets, especially on racks. A flat pallet with plastic wedges uses the pallets you already have: choose it for shipping and for changing roll diameters. A pallet topper, also called a pallet transformer, is a cradle that locks onto a standard 800 × 1200 mm pallet and comes off again.
What is the difference between the three solutions?
| Criterion | Roll cradle pallet | Flat pallet with wedges | Pallet topper (transformer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pallet and cradle in one unit | Two wedges placed against the roll on a flat pallet | A cradle locked on top of a flat 800 × 1200 pallet |
| Examples | LO01, LO02, RM01 | KU10, KU04, kits SB01 and SB02 | CV01, CV02, CO01-W |
| Rolls | LO01 and LO02: 1 to 3 rolls, Ø 160–1200 mm | KU10: Ø 160–1200 mm. KU04: Ø 160–1100 mm | CV01: 1 or 2 rolls, Ø 150–1100 mm. CV02: 1 roll up to Ø 1400 mm |
| Published maximum load | LO01 and LO02: 1800 kg. RM01: 2000 kg | KU10: 1500 kg. KU04: 2500 kg. SB01 and SB02: 2000 kg | CV01: 1500 kg. CV02: 1200 kg. CO01-W: 1200 kg |
| Rack use | LO02: yes, 1800 kg. LO01 and RM01: no | Depends on the base pallet | Depends on the base pallet |
| Existing flat pallets | Replaced by dedicated pallets | Kept | Kept; remove the topper and the pallet carries flat loads again |
The values are those published on each product page.
When should you choose a roll cradle pallet?
When the roll lives on the pallet: storage, moves between departments, rack positions. The cradle cannot be lost or mounted wrongly because it is part of the pallet. The LO02 has sealed steel bars and is published as rack-compatible up to 1800 kg. The LO01 is the floor version with 4-way access for pallet trucks.
When is a flat pallet with wedges enough?
When the pallets already exist and the roll only has to be stopped from rolling. For one-way shipments the KU10 wedge stays with the customer. Inside the plant the KU04 wedge with rubber pads is reused. With the SB01 and SB02 kits, a rubber mat and two wedges, the wedges are repositioned for each diameter.
When does a pallet topper make sense?
When the warehouse is standardised on 800 × 1200 pallets and the same pallets carry both flat goods and rolls. The CV01 locks onto a standard wood, plastic or composite pallet without tools and without modification. On a wooden pallet the cradle isolates the roll from the wood. The CO01-W is a saddle for wooden pallets, locked in position by two bottom pins.
Ready-made combinations are also published: RCV49 (PP69 base with CV01 cradle), RCV69 (PP69 base with CV02 cradle) and RCV08 (PP08 base with CV01 cradle).
Products: LO02, CV01, SB01. Collections: roll cradle pallets, wedges and chocks, pallet transformers. Related guides: cradle, wedge or flange, how to choose a roll pallet, plastic roll wedges and chocks.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pallet topper be used on a rack?
It depends on the base pallet. The product pages of the CV01 and CV02 state rack compatibility as depending on the base. The RCV49 and RCV69 combinations use the steel-reinforced PP69 base and are published as rack-compatible.
Does a pallet topper fit wooden pallets?
Yes. The CV01 is published as fitting standard 800 × 1200 mm pallets in wood, plastic or composite. The CO01-W saddle is made for wooden pallets.
What is the difference between a cradle and a wedge?
A cradle is a shaped base that holds the roll from below. A wedge is a block placed at each side of the roll to stop it from rolling on a flat surface.
Tell us your rolls, your pallets and where the rolls are stored: request a quote.