Cat® Airbag-Operated Pallet Carousel Features
Engineered for distribution centers, manufacturing pack-out lines, and fulfillment operations where pallet load weights vary significantly within a shift, the Cat® self-leveling pallet carousel skid positioner (WB641679) uses a captive reinforced rubber Firestone airbag to maintain an ergonomic working height as layers are added or removed. A 43-inch turntable with a secured ball bearing center pivot delivers smooth 360° rotation, and rollers entrapped in the base frame and platform provide exceptional lateral stability. Initial inflation to 60 PSI is all that is required — the Cat® WB641679 is fully self-contained during operation with no constant air supply needed.
For facilities comparing the Cat® airbag and spring models, the WB641679 provides additional raised height (29-13/16 inches vs. 27-3/4 inches) and smoother leveling across highly variable load weights. Steel construction with phosphatized powder-coat handles continuous industrial use, fork pockets allow forklift relocation, and the Cat® Portability Package WB641681 — sold separately — converts the carousel to one-operator mobile for workstations without forklift access.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cat® |
| Item # | WB641679 |
| Turntable Diameter | 43" |
| Rotation | 360° on secured ball bearing center pivot |
| Leveling System | Captive reinforced rubber Firestone airbag |
| Raised Height | 29-13/16" |
| Initial Air Required | 60 PSI (one-time inflation; self-contained after) |
| Constant Air Supply | Not required — self-contained once inflated |
| Roller Design | Rollers entrapped in base frame and platform for added stability |
| Construction | Durable steel with phosphatized powder-coat finish |
| Forklift Transport | Fork pockets for facility relocation by forklift |
| Compatible Accessory | Cat® Portability Package WB641681 (sold separately) |
Ergonomic and Compliance Applications
To reduce repetitive motion injuries and meet OSHA ergonomic guidelines at pallet handling workstations, the Cat® WB641679 is deployed in high-volume fulfillment and distribution centers where load weights vary by SKU, food and beverage production pack-out lines where layer weight is inconsistent, pharmaceutical and medical device packaging lines requiring precise working height tracking, and automotive parts assembly operations where mixed-part pallets require smooth height adjustment across the full load range.
Cat® Airbag Carousel vs. Typical Competitor
| Feature | This Product | Typical Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cat® — global material handling standard | Unbranded or generic |
| Leveling System | Firestone airbag — industry-proven | Generic bag or spring only |
| Raised Height | 29-13/16" — higher working position | Often 20–26" |
| Constant Air Required | No — self-contained after 60 PSI initial | Often requires constant air line |
| Frame Stability | Rollers entrapped in base + platform | Free-rolling casters only |
| Pricing | Below retail pricing | Full retail |
Academic and Institutional Pricing
LabSupplies.com offers tiered quantity pricing for academic and research institutions. As an authorized dealer, we ship directly from USA inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cat® airbag-operated pallet carousel self-leveling system work?
A captive reinforced rubber Firestone airbag inside the Cat® WB641679 chassis expands or contracts as layers of product are added or removed, raising and lowering the 43-inch turntable platform to maintain an ergonomic working height. When weight is added, bag pressure increases and the platform rises; when weight is removed, pressure drops and the platform follows the load down. Pneumatic self-leveling delivers smoother, more linear height adjustment across a wider load range than spring-actuated systems, making the WB641679 preferred for highly variable loads.
Does the Cat® WB641679 require a constant compressed air supply?
No. The Cat® airbag-operated carousel is self-contained after initial inflation. An air compressor is needed once to inflate the Firestone airbag to 60 PSI at setup, and again anytime air is manually released from the carousel during servicing. During normal operation — loading and unloading cycles — the airbag maintains pressure automatically without any external air line connected. This self-contained design means the Cat® WB641679 can be deployed at any workstation in a facility without access to a permanent air supply.
What is the difference between the Cat® WB641679 airbag and the Cat® WB641680 spring-actuated carousel?
Both Cat® carousels provide 360-degree turntable rotation, ergonomic self-leveling, and compatibility with the Cat® Portability Package. The WB641679 airbag model uses a Firestone captive rubber airbag, reaches a raised height of 29-13/16 inches, and is preferred where load weights vary significantly within a shift. The WB641680 spring model reaches 27-3/4 inches and requires no initial air charge — it is the simpler, zero-utility-cost option for consistent, predictable load weights.
Can the Cat® WB641679 be made mobile?
Yes. Fork pockets on the Cat® WB641679 base frame allow forklift relocation across the facility floor. For workstations requiring frequent repositioning without a forklift, the Cat® Portability Package (WB641681) is the factory-designed accessory that adds a long handle and wheel kit for one-operator mobility — available now at LabSupplies.com. The Cat® WB641681 Portability Package is compatible with both the airbag-operated WB641679 and the spring-actuated WB641680.
Cat® Pallet Carousel Accessories
The Cat® Portability Package (WB641681) converts the Cat® WB641679 into a one-operator mobile unit for repositioning without a forklift — available now at LabSupplies.com. For applications with consistent, predictable load weights and no air compressor access, the Cat® Spring-Actuated Carousel (WB641680) is the zero-utility-cost alternative. Both Cat® carousel models are compatible with the WB641681 Portability Package.