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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
Quick summary:
- Pit installation sinks the machine base below the warehouse floor so the turntable sits flush with the floor.
- Main benefit: a forklift drives the pallet straight onto the turntable, with no ramp.
- Construction cost (concrete cutting plus electrical, excluding the machine) is quoted by site.
- When you need it: warehouses regularly wrapping heavy pallets over 1 tonne with a forklift.
Pit-mounted pallet wrapper installation: a technical guide
Pit installation sets the machine base into the warehouse floor so the turntable surface is flush with the floor, letting a forklift push the pallet straight on without a ramp. This guide covers the technique and the construction steps. To choose the right model, see our stretch wrapping machines.
Surface mount vs pit mount: which to choose
Surface mount: the machine sits directly on the floor, its base raised about 15-25 cm. The forklift needs a ramp or must lift the forks to place the pallet. Pros: no construction, easy to relocate. Cons: awkward for frequent heavy-pallet forklift work.
Pit mount: a hole is cut in the concrete and the machine set so the turntable is flush with the floor. The forklift pushes the pallet straight on as if moving across flat floor - no ramp. Best for warehouses regularly wrapping pallets over 800 kg that want to optimize forklift handling.
Technical requirements before construction
- Floor structure: concrete at least 20 cm thick and strength grade B25 (M300) or higher. Do not pit-mount over buried utilities (water pipes, electrical cable, drainage). Get the floor drawing before cutting.
- Pit size: based on the base, usually 1,800-2,200 mm square (by model), 300-400 mm deep, and 100-150 mm larger than the base on each side for installation and wiring.
- Drainage: the pit floor needs drainage or at least a drain hole to avoid standing water during cleaning, which corrodes the base and is an electrical hazard.
- Electrical: wiring runs in sealed conduit buried in the floor, with the junction box outside the pit and easy to reach, and a dedicated breaker sized to the motor (usually 10A for a semi-automatic).
Construction steps
- Step 1 - Prepare: fix the exact location, check buried utilities, mark out and protect the surrounding area.
- Step 2 - Cut and excavate: cut the concrete along the marks, break out and remove it, and level the pit floor and walls.
- Step 3 - Reinforce and waterproof: reinforce the corners with L5x5 cm angle steel if needed, and waterproof the pit floor and walls.
- Step 4 - Install: lower the machine (150-300 kg) with a hoist or small crane and level the turntable to the floor (tolerance under 2 mm with a spirit level).
- Step 5 - Finish: pour concrete into the gap between machine and pit wall, fit a steel or rubber trim around the turntable for a smooth transition, then wire and test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is pit mounting worth it?
When a forklift regularly loads heavy pallets (over 800 kg-1 tonne) - flush mounting removes the ramp and speeds handling.
What floor is needed?
Concrete at least 20 cm thick, grade B25/M300+, with no buried utilities under the pit.
Why does the pit need drainage?
To prevent standing water during cleaning, which corrodes the base and creates an electrical hazard.
How precise must the turntable be?
Level to the floor within about 2 mm so forklifts and pallets transition smoothly.
Contact ICD Viet Nam
For pit-mount installation advice and the right machine, contact our team for a quote.
- Northern Vietnam: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
- Southern Vietnam: 098 6784 186
- Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
- Zalo: Chat on Zalo
