Pallet & jute bag intake
Structured reception of jute bags into production
For specialty coffee roasteries, and some industrial roasteries, green coffee arrives in jute bags stacked on pallets. As volumes increase, unloading becomes labor-intensive, physically demanding and dust-prone. A dedicated pallet intake station stabilizes discharge, captures dust at the source and connects directly to cleaning, storage or roasting. Coffee enters production in a controlled and measurable way, transforming manual unloading into a structured production step. For roasteries with limited space, compact intake stations allow single-bag discharge within a small footprint.
Highlights - Intake built for real production
Integrated dedusting
Opening jute bags releases fine dust immediately. The hopper integrates dust extraction bars that capture dust as coffee falls into the buffer. For compact single-bag stations, aspiration is positioned directly at grid level to capture dust during discharge. In both configurations, dust is controlled at the emission point and routed toward cyclone and filtration systems.
Flexible charging method and layout
The intake can be configured according to available space. It can be installed above floor level on a steel support structure with stair access or integrated into an under-floor pit when excavation is possible. When a compact layout is required, the pallet can remain on the forklift positioned directly in front of the grate.
First step toward structured production
Even without full automation, a pallet intake station becomes the first controlled point of the process. With weighing integration, it enables verification of delivered quantities, monitoring of cleaning loss and alignment between logistics and production planning.
01 Layout
A steel support structure positions the intake hopper above floor level when excavation is not possible.
Typical dimensions to accommodate a Euro pallet on the structure are 3100 mm × 3100 mm, with a total height of 2500 mm including guardrails. The dumping grid provides a 1.2 m² opening surface, and the standard integrated buffer capacity is 150 kg.
When space is limited, a compact structure can be installed. The footprint can be as small as 1000 mm × 1000 mm. The pallet remains on the forklift, positioned at hopper height for discharge.
Where excavation is possible, the hopper is installed below floor level. This reduces lifting height and simplifies unloading.
Dimensions depend on building constraints and required buffer volume. Compact configurations can be as small as 800 mm × 800 mm for single-bag discharge.
02 Unloading method
The pallet is positioned in front of the grid with its longer side facing the hopper. Bags are manually cut open while still on the pallet and coffee falls directly into the buffer. Operators assist the final discharge of each bag.
The forklift positions the pallet at hopper height in front of the grid. Bags are opened while still on the pallet, allowing coffee to fall into the hopper buffer.
For smaller layouts, compact intake hoppers (as small as 1 m² footprint) allow unloading one bag at a time.
A forklift positions the pallet or individual bag at grid height and coffee is discharged manually into the hopper.
03 Weighing & integration
The hopper is mounted on load cells with local weight display.
This allows comparison between theoretical and actual received quantities and monitoring of how much coffee has been sorted or cleaned.
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04 Downstream equipment
The intake station can connect toward cleaning stations, mechanical or pneumatic conveying systems, silos or directly to roasting lines.
If future equipment is planned, buffer sizing and routing space are defined accordingly to avoid structural modifications later.
Technical specifications
Download our pallet intake brochure- Suitable for bag of 60kg, euro palette (800x1200mm) or larger palette
- Intake capacity adapted from 5 to 60 t/h depending on conveying configuration
- Hopper volume engineered based on discharge speed and conveying flow
- Integrated dust extraction and filtration systems required
- Food-grade contact surfaces available.
- ATEX-compatible configurations available
- Compatible with mechanical or pneumatic conveying systems
- Optional weighing systems with software integration.
- Modular steel support structures
- Designed for forklift or hoist discharge operations
Questions? We're here to assist.
Typical unloading ranges from 15–30 minutes depending on bag size and hopper/conveying configuration. Faster solutions are possible with adapted sizing.
Yes. Routing, conveying capacity and interfaces can be prepared so future silos, cleaning systems or roasters can be integrated without major redesign.
Dust is captured directly at the intake hopper using integrated aspiration and filtration systems, keeping intake areas clean and safe for operators.
Need help choosing the right intake solutions?
Every roastery and growth plan is different. Talk with us and design your optimal intake architecture.