9 Tips for Ordering the Right Portable Stretch Wrap Machine

Do you wish your packaging process was more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable? A portable stretch wrap machine can help you achieve all this and more. But with so many different types and models available, how do you choose the right one for your business? Here are some tips for ordering the perfect portable stretch wrap machine.

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What Are Portable Stretch Wrappers?

Portable stretch wrappers are machines designed to apply stretch film around pallets and loads to secure them for transportation and storage. Unlike static wrappers, which are fixed in one location, portable stretch wrappers can be moved around the warehouse as needed. This flexibility is particularly useful for operations that frequently change layouts or require wrapping in different areas.

Other features that make portable wrappers a popular choice include their compact size, ease of use, and affordability. They’re ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t have the space or budget for larger, fixed machines.

Tips for Ordering the Right Portable Stretch Wrap Machine

How do you know which portable stretch wrap machine is the best fit for your warehouse? Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your decision.

Consider Your Workload

The first step in choosing a portable stretch wrapper is understanding your workload. How many pallets do you need to wrap per day? What sizes and shapes do they come in? These factors will determine the size and capabilities of the machine you should get.

It’s also important to consider any future growth projections for your warehouse. If you anticipate an increase in demand, it may be wise to invest in a more robust machine now rather than having to upgrade later.

Consider Your Warehouse Layout and Size

The layout and size of your warehouse will also impact the type of portable stretch wrapper you need. Smaller warehouses may require more compact machines, while larger warehouses may benefit from fully automatic options.

You should also think about accessibility within your warehouse. Are there any narrow aisles or tight corners the machine needs to navigate? Make sure to choose a model that can easily maneuver through your workspace.

Consider Your Budget

As with any major purchase, budget is an important consideration when choosing a portable stretch wrap machine. While you don’t want to overspend, it’s essential to invest in a quality machine that will last and meet your needs. Consider the long-term cost savings of a more advanced model and balance that against your budget constraints.

Assess Automation and Labor Requirements

The level of automation you need in your machine will also impact your choice. Fully automatic models like the DRM Pack A-Arm may be more expensive, but they require minimal human intervention and can save on labor costs in the long run. Semi-automatic models may have a lower initial cost, but they still require manual labor to operate.

Understand the Type and Quality of Stretch Film You Use

The type and quality of stretch film you use can also affect your choice of machine. Some machines work better with specific types of film. Make sure to consider the thickness, strength, and stretchability of the film when selecting your machine. You may also want to think about purchasing a machine that can handle various types of film for maximum flexibility.

Look for Easy Maintenance and User-Friendly Features

You don’t want to spend all your time maintaining and troubleshooting your portable stretch wrapper. Look for models with user-friendly features that make maintenance and operation simple. Some machines even come with self-diagnostic capabilities, making it easier to identify and resolve any issues.

Check for Compatibility With Other Equipment

Your portable stretch wrap machine should be compatible with the other equipment in your warehouse—this includes pallet jacks, forklifts, and conveyor systems. Ensuring compatibility will make your workflow smoother and more efficient.

Consider the Warranty and Service Support

When investing in a portable stretch wrap machine, consider the warranty and service support offered by the manufacturer. Look for machines with comprehensive warranties that cover any potential defects or malfunctions.

Additionally, check if the manufacturer provides ongoing service and support to ensure your machine stays in top condition. This can save you time and money in the long run and give you peace of mind knowing help is available if needed.

Seek Recommendations and Reviews

Finally, don’t forget to seek recommendations and read reviews. Other warehouse managers’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different machines. Look for models with positive reviews and ask for further input from industry professionals.

If you’re having trouble selecting a machine for your warehouse, use these tips for ordering the right portable stretch wrapper. The ideal stretch wrap machine is one that will meet your current packaging needs and grow with your business in the future.

One option you may want to consider is DRM Associates’ DRM Pack A-Arm—a portable stretch wrapper with a uniquely engineered arm that automatically positions and wraps pallets. This innovative machine can greatly increase productivity and efficiency in your packaging process. To learn more about the DRM Pack A-Arm and other portable stretch wrap machines, contact DRM Associates today. We have over two decades of experience in the packaging industry and can help you find the perfect solution for your business.

When your shipping operation starts to grow, manual pallet wrapping can quickly become a bottleneck. That's where stretch wrappers offer a smarter way to protect your loads, boost efficiency, and reduce material waste.

Whether you're just getting started with automation or upgrading your current setup, this guide will help you understand your options, key features to look for, and how to find the right solution for your business.

Introduction to Stretch Wrappers

Stretch wrappers are machines designed to tightly secure pallet loads with stretch film, stabilizing goods for shipment and storage. They're used across industries to cut down on labor costs, improve load consistency, and minimize product damage in transit.

It's not just about wrapping faster it's about wrapping smarter. Ineffective stretch wrapping is a major driver of product damage during shipping. Stretch wrappers deliver consistent containment force that manual wrapping can't match, helping reduce film waste, prevent product shifting, and protect against warehouse and transit damage.

Types of Stretch Wrappers

Stretch wrapping systems vary widely from handheld tools for low-volume operations to fully automated machines that integrate with conveyor lines. Understanding the basic categories can help you find the best fit for your production needs.

The most common type of stretch wrapping machine is the turntable stretch wrapper. This style of wrapper has a turntable that rotates a product as the stretch film is wrapped around it. Available in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic operation types.

Manual Stretch Wrapper

Manual stretch tools assist with hand-wrapping by holding the roll and applying tension. They’re an affordable step up from traditional hand wrapping but can still be time-consuming. Manual turntable tops are also available where the load turns, but the operator still has to do the wrapping.

• Best for: Small operations wrapping fewer than 10 pallets a day.
• Load types: Stable, lightweight loads that don’t require heavy containment force.
• Typical use: Startups, occasional shippers, companies testing new product lines.
• Space needs: Minimal with portable dispensers or at least 8’x8’ space for a manual turntable top. 
• Throughput: Operator-limited; slower and less consistent.

Popular models: Highlight Synergy .5, Encore Dispensers, Highlight Predator Turntable Top

Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrappers

Semi-automatic wrappers automate parts of the process like rotating the pallet, but operators still place and cut the film. They're a popular entry point for small to mid-size businesses.

• Best for: Growing operations needing better consistency without a huge capital investment.
• Load types: Most standard pallet loads under 5,000 lbs.
• Typical use: Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturers shipping 10–50 pallets per day.
• Space needs: Requires floor space of at least 8'x8'.
• Throughput: 20–30 loads per hour depending on model and operator efficiency.

Popular models: Eagle B, Robopac Ecoplat, Cousins -SRT, Handle It 800, Lantech Q300, Fox FPS 300

Automatic Stretch Wrappers

Automatic wrappers do it all — attaching film, wrapping, cutting, and sealing — often with minimal or no operator involvement. Ideal for companies shipping high volumes daily.

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• Best for: High-volume shippers where speed, labor savings, and consistency are critical.
• Load types: Heavy, light, unstable, or irregular loads.
• Typical use: Large manufacturers, 3PLs, national distribution hubs.
• Space needs: Requires integration with conveyors; larger footprint.
• Throughput: 30+ loads per hour with minimal operator input.

Popular models: Cousins LP-, Eagle F, Handle It AA-C, Fox FPS 400, Robopac LT

Robotic and Mobile Stretch Wrappers

Robotic stretch wrappers are mobile machines that drive around the pallet to apply film, offering flexible, space-saving wrapping for a wide range of load types.

• Best for: Facilities with limited space, multiple wrapping areas, or oversized loads that can’t be rotated or easily moved.
• Load types: Irregular, heavy, or unstable loads — including extra-wide pallets or products that are difficult to place on a turntable.
• Typical use: Warehouses, manufacturers, and distribution centers, especially those needing flexibility without permanent equipment placement.
• Space needs: Minimal — the machine travels around the load, so there’s no need for a fixed footprint or bolted-down equipment.
• Throughput: Typically 20 - 30 loads per hour, but varies based on operator speed and wrap settings.

Popular models: Robopac S7, Handle It , Cousins Traveler, Combi BeeWrap

Rotary Arm Stretch Wrappers

The wrapper’s arm rotates around a stationary pallet, perfect for heavy, unstable, or lightweight loads that shouldn't spin.

• Best for: Heavy, unstable, or lightweight loads that shouldn’t spin.
• Applications: Building materials (brick, roofing), fragile goods, lightweight cases.
• Considerations: More expensive than turntables but safer for unstable loads; faster cycle times.

Popular models: Robopac Masterplat HD XL, Cousins T FSR, Handle It , Lantech S300

Orbital, Ring, and Horizontal Stretch Wrappers

These specialized machines wrap loads horizontally which is ideal for long products like pipes, lumber, doors, and windows.

• Best for: Long, narrow products that can’t be stacked on a pallet.
• Applications: Lumber, piping, doors, windows, textiles.
• Considerations: Specialized use; not for standard pallet loads.

Popular models: Robopac Compacta, Signode Yellow Jacket, TAB Wrapper Tornado, Handle It FA-200

Stretch Hooder Machines

Instead of wrapping around a load, stretch hooders pull a stretchable hood over the pallet for a tight, waterproof seal.

• Best for: Companies needing UV or moisture protection without excess material use.
• Applications: Fertilizer, building products, outdoor storage items. Loads that require a strong protective film.
• Throughput: High-volume packing of 50+ loads per hour.
• Considerations: Highest upfront cost but offers the tightest seal and best weather protection.

Popular models: Signode Power Flex, Signode Multi Flex, MSK Wraptech, Handle It SH-Core

Choosing the Right Stretch Wrapper

Finding the right fit starts with knowing your production needs and future goals.

Main Factors to Consider

• Number of pallets wrapped per day
• Load weight, size, and stability
• Available floor space
• Desired level of automation
• Options and add-ons (cold packaging, scale, load sensor type, roping, etc)

Questions to Answer

When working with a supplier, you will most likely need to answer the following questions to determine which machine is best matched to handle your stretch wrapping needs.

• What type of products or loads are you wrapping?
• What is the length and width of your pallets?
• What is the diagonal length of your loads?
• What is the average height of your loads?
• What is the average weight of your loads? How much do your lightest and heaviest weigh?
• How many loads per hour and per day do you currently wrap?
• How are you wrapping your loads now and how many people does the process require?
• Do you need to be able to weigh your loads for quality or shipping reasons?
• Do your products overhang off the pallet, have partial layers, or have any other additional qualities that must be considered?

Not sure how to calculate your diagonal pallet size? Use our calculator below!

Industry-Specific and Advanced Solutions

Each industry faces its own unique shipping challenges — and stretch wrapping solutions can be tailored to match. Some machines are purpose-built for specific applications, like windows and doors, round products like tires, or food and beverage. Others can be customized with sensors, conveyors, and wrap settings to meet unique requirements. Read our article in Packaging World to see how we helped a Wisconsin beverage distributor source and install a custom automated pallet wrapping solution.

Stretch wrapping technology keeps evolving making packaging operations smarter and greener. Newer wrappers use energy-saving motors and optimize film usage, helping lower overall operating costs. Robotic arms are being added to fully automated wrappers to reduce the need for an operator. Many machines now come standard or offer an IoT-enabled option for remote monitoring, performance tracking, and predictive maintenance alerts.

Production Needs and Budget Considerations

Stretch wrappers range from a few thousand dollars to six figures depending on automation, film carriage type, and specialty features. A semi-automatic machine can often pay for itself within a year through film savings and labor reduction.

According to Robopac, if you’re wrapping 50 loads per day, changing from hand wrapping with 10% pre-stretch to using a machine with 250% pre-stretch can save $30,000 or more over five years in just film savings. That’s not even including the savings from labor and damage.

Consulting with Packaging Experts

Once you’ve figured out your machine specifications and budget, you’ll need to choose a supplier. Always look for a vendor that provides warranty information, sells quality equipment, and after-sales support such as installation, tech service, and wear parts.

At Rocket Industrial, we work side-by-side with businesses to match the right machine to their needs — whether you’re wrapping 10 pallets a day or scaling up to 500. Our service team records the machine’s serial number in our system to track the manufacturer's warranty, offers additional warranties, keeps parts on hand, and can help with installation or future service needs.

Cost Analysis and ROI of Stretch Wrappers

An investment in automation today can mean major savings down the line.

Hand Pallet Wrapping vs Machine Pallet Wrapping

Even if you're only wrapping 10 loads per day, a stretch wrapper can quickly pay for itself. Hand wrapping is not only time-consuming — it leads to inconsistent containment force, more film waste, and a higher risk of product damage.

Most machine stretch wrappers can pre-stretch film by up to 250%, compared to less than 40% with hand wrapping. That means using less material, achieving stronger and more consistent load containment, and reducing the chance of damaged shipments.

Watch a packaging engineer do a time comparison of hand wrapping vs. machine wrapping in our lab in the video below.

Cost Benefits

Film Savings: Machine-stretched film can reduce film usage by 30–50% compared to manual wrapping. Pre-stretch systems stretch the film 200–300%, getting 2–3 times more pallet wraps out of the same roll.

Labor Reductions: Manual wrapping can take 2–5 minutes per pallet, while a semi-automatic wrapper can cut that to under one minute. Freeing up workers from wrapping allows for reallocation to higher-value tasks.

Damage Reduction: Poorly wrapped pallets are a leading cause of load damage and claims. Studies show proper stretch wrapping could prevent up to 50% of transport damage. Reducing in-transit damage not only cuts direct product loss but also protects brand reputation and reduces claims processing costs.

Payback Period

On average, we see businesses achieve payback on a semi-automatic stretch wrapper within 9 to 18 months, and automatic stretch wrappers within 12 to 24 months. Of course, actual payback timelines vary based on factors like daily pallet volume, labor rates, film usage, and the level of automation.

Looking at demo or used equipment, reviewing leasing options, and taking advantage of payment terms or Section 179 tax deductions can help speed up return on investment even further.

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