Abstract: A method of building and wrapping a load including infeeding load units to an infeed area of a layer building area at an infeed level below a desired height of the load, repeatedly building load layers in a layer building area from load units incoming from the infeed area at the infeed level, repeatedly transporting the load layers from the layer building area to a load building and wrapping area to sequentially build a load of layers to the desired height of the load in the load building and wrapping area from layers built in the layer building area, wrapping the load of layers in the load building and wrapping area while building at least one interim layer in the layer building area from load units, outputting the wrapped load from the load building area, and sequentially transporting the interim layer and at least one other layer built in the layer building area from the layer building area to the load building and wrapping area to sequentially form a load of layers in the load building and wrapping area.

Abstract: A stretch wrapper wraps a load with a web dispensed from a web dispenser and includes a frame for supporting and revolving the web dispenser around the load and about a vertical axis. A support is attached to the upper portion of the frame to support the frame from above and guide the frame along a path around the load. A motor-driven drive wheel is attached the lower portion of the frame for engaging a floor, supporting the frame from below, and driving the frame on the floor along the path around the load.