2-Stage Pallet Washer
The Arnold Machine 2-Stage Pallet Washer is purpose-built for high-throughput plastic pallet cleaning and drying. Designed to integrate seamlessly into automated processing lines, this system excels in pallet processing depots and is well-suited for robotic load/unload applications.
Engineered with a 40-year proven design and all stainless-steel construction, this robust system includes a heated, pressurized wash stage and an ambient, high-pressure blow-off stage. With customizable belt speeds, it can process up to 400 pallets per hour. The system accommodates standard 40" x 48" x 6" pallets and supports other dunnage formats as needed. The wash opening measures 8" tall by 42" wide.
HOW 2-STAGE PALLET WASHERS WORK
The 2-Stage Pallet Washer uses a sequential cleaning process designed for maximum efficiency in industrial pallet reuse operations:
- Loading: Pallets are manually or robotically loaded onto the variable-speed conveyor.
- Stage 1 – Heated Wash: High-pressure, heated water and detergent spray remove contaminants. The 500-gallon wash tank features a 25 HP pump and three 40kW immersion heaters.
- Stage 2 – "Heated" High-Pressure Blow-Off is available if further drying is needed.
- Unloading: Clean, dry pallets exit the system at a 42" height, ready for downstream automation or manual handling.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
The 2-Stage Pallet Washer is ideal for industries that depend on reusable plastic pallets. Common use cases include pallet depots, food and beverage facilities, warehouse distribution centers, and any operation with automated material handling. It supports continuous operations and meets cleanliness standards required for returnable transport items (RTIs) used in hygienic and industrial environments.
SPECS & FEATURES
Machine Dimensions
- 13' W x 64' L x 11' H
- 42" load/unload height with 4' exposed conveyor on each end
Conveyor System
- Stainless steel double pitch chain
- Variable speed and reversible drive
Utility Requirements
- 480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz, 400 AMP
- 1" fresh water supply @ 35 PSI
- 2" NPT tank drains
Control System
- NEMA 12 control panel with 480V disconnect
- Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC with 15" Weintek touchscreen
- Customizable wash recipes
Fluid Delivery
- 500-gallon wash tank
- 25 HP, 225 GPM wash pump
- Three 40kW immersion heaters (up to 145°F)
Dry-Off System
- Two 40 HP blowers producing 9,600 CFM each
- Integrated exhaust fan
Safety Features
- Safety-interlocked cabinet doors
- Emergency stop buttons at each end
Filtration & Maintenance
- Three stainless steel bag filters (wash tank)
- Stainless float switches to control water levels
- Easy-to-remove spray headers
- Chip and debris collection baskets
- Large tank access doors for easy maintenance
Construction
- 10ga stainless steel tank and upper housing
- 304 stainless steel schedule 40 piping
Warranty
- 1-year parts & labor
- 10-year structural integrity warranty
Advanced Specs & Optional Upgrades
The following features are available for specialized applications or higher soil loads:
- 2” cabinet/tank insulation (16ga polished stainless): Improves heat retention for temps above 140°F
- Mist collection unit: 3,000 CFM w/ 7.5 HP motor for vapor control
- 25-gallon oil coalescer: Recommended for high oil loads
- High-volume bed/conveyor filtration system
- Automatic chemical monitoring & addition system
- Noise reduction package
- Single-point tank drain for simplified maintenance
- CSA Certification (Canadian compliance)
- Remote diagnostics access
- Custom service plans available
Arnold Machine acquired FMT in July 2020, and Arnold Machine’s extensive automation experience, combined with FMT’s industrial parts washer expertise, allows us to offer unique automation capabilities to parts washers. Our products include features such as material handling and automated (or robotic) loading and unloading.
TRUST ARNOLD MACHINE WITH YOUR PARTS WASHING NEEDS
Are you looking to improve your current parts-washing process? Arnold Machine specializes in designing and manufacturing custom parts washers tailored to your needs and requirements. We ensure that your equipment will meet the highest cleanliness standards and provide efficiency and durability. Contact us today to get a quote and discover how we can optimize your parts-washing process.
2-STAGE PALLET WASHER FAQ
-
Can this washer handle pallet sizes other than 40" x 48"?
-
Is the system compatible with automated loading and unloading?
-
What maintenance is required?
-
What's the lead time?
OTHER PARTS WASHING SYSTEMS AND RELATED MACHINES
Rotary Table Parts Washer
Arnold’s Rotary Table Washers provide precision cleaning for medium-to-large individual parts or small batches. These washers deliver thorough surface contact in a compact footprint, making them well-suited for aerospace, defense, and automotive rebuild environments. Systems can be customized with automated indexing or dual-stage cleaning to meet specific throughput and cleanliness requirements.
Rotary Drum Washer
For high-throughput production of small components, our Rotary Drum Washers offer continuous flow cleaning and rinsing. Ideal for manufacturers of fasteners, stamped parts, or machined hardware, these systems support bulk processing with minimal labor and consistent results.
Gladiator FRT Washer
Built for rugged environments such as transit depots and heavy equipment fleets, the Gladiator FRT is a front-loading parts washer constructed from 304 stainless steel for long-term durability. It delivers industrial-grade cleaning for parts exposed to grease, salt, and road grime — backed by a lifetime shell warranty.
Custom Parts Washer
When standard systems don’t fit the application, our custom washers are engineered to meet unique part geometries, cleanliness specs, and automation needs. Perfect for specialized or high-spec cleaning challenges.
FEATURED POSTS
8RB50 Parts Washer
Implementation of 3-Stage 8RB (8-Basket Rotary Basket) Washer for Increased Capacity
