Pallets are one of the biggest ongoing costs in a brick or paver plant, and one of the easiest to under-buy. If the line runs out of pallets, the machine stops. This article shows how to estimate the number you need from your output and curing time.
The numbers in the worked example are illustrative. Your machine, mix and curing practice decide the real figures.
Key Takeaways
- Pallets needed = pallets used per hour × hours a pallet stays loaded, plus a buffer.
- Pallets stay loaded while bricks cure, so curing time is the biggest driver.
- Add a buffer for damaged, drying and in-transit pallets.
- Compare pallets on cost per year of service, not purchase price.
The Estimating Formula
- Pallets per hour = machine cycles per hour × pallets per cycle. Your machine specification gives this.
- Hours loaded = how long bricks stay on a pallet before the pallet returns to the machine. This is your curing or hold time on the pallet.
- Pallets in the loop = pallets per hour × hours loaded.
- Add a buffer for pallets being cleaned, repaired or in transit. 10% to 20% is a common planning allowance.
Worked Example (Illustrative)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallets used per hour | 180 (one pallet every 20 seconds) |
| Hours a pallet stays loaded | 24 |
| Pallets in the loop (180 × 24) | 4,320 |
| With 15% buffer | about 4,970 pallets |
If your process releases bricks from pallets sooner, the loop shrinks accordingly. Always start from your own machine output and process. Share the machine model and pallet size with us and we will help check the quantity.
Choose Pallets by Cost per Year
With thousands of pallets in the loop, small differences in life add up. The service lives stated on our product pages are:
- Metal reinforced pallet: about 5–6 years
- Steel reinforced pallet: about 7–8 years
- Solid plastic pallet: 5–10 years
These are approximate lives under suitable operating conditions. Compare options in solid vs reinforced vs recycled pallets, and see 8 checks before you buy.
Protect the Pallets You Buy
Bending and cracking shorten life and break bricks. Causes and fixes are in why fly ash brick pallets bend or crack. Rotate pallets so wear is even, store them flat and clean them regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets do I need for a fly ash brick machine?
Why does curing time matter for pallet quantity?
Can you make pallets to my machine size?
Which brick pallet lasts longest?
Need a bulk quote?
Share your thickness, size, quantity and delivery location. Our trade desk replies with specifications and pricing for domestic and export orders.
