The Little Buddy: Flexible, Cost-Effective Mat Nailing

The Little Buddy Mat Nailing Machine provides an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution for producing block pallet mats. It’s the perfect choice for operations that can’t justify the investment in high-volume European machines or that require greater output than manual jigs can deliver.

When paired with the Big Buddy, the Little Buddy equips manufacturers with the versatility and productivity needed to stay competitive in the fast-growing block pallet market. It’s also a popular solution for oversized mats. For example, if you’re building block pallets measuring 50″ L x 96″ W, the Little Buddy can be modified to handle this size—allowing your team to quickly place the finished mat onto the pallet bottom.

How the Little Buddy Works:

A single operator can efficiently produce high-quality mats with the Little Buddy.

With one pass of the gantry, deck boards and vertical boards are securely fastened with a strong, consistent clinch. The machine drives two precise rows of nails—one to the right and one to the left—for maximum strength and reliability. Once nailing is complete, the Little Buddy automatically ejects the finished mat to the optional stacker, streamlining the entire process.

Little Buddy Models:

• 56″ L x 56″ W (mats up to 56″ x 56″)
• 56″ L x 72″ W (mats up to 56″ x 72″)
• 56″ L x 96″ W (mats up to 56″ x 96″)
• The length can be modified with approval of a custom design.

Block Pallet Specifications:

• CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5, CP6, CP7
• CHEP / PECO
• Use the Little Buddy to build top and BOTTOM mats when necessary. The bottom mat can be used on the Big Buddy if necessary.
• Up to 2 rows of nails for the specification.
• Several custom applications and jigs can be fabricated. 
• Custom applications don’t have to be for block pallets. 
• Crate sides, tops, and more.
• Contact us for details. 

Standard Features & Benefits:

• Secure jigging for 3 vertical boards and any desired number of deck boards provides a tight tolerance for better quality.
• Electronic nail gun firing system built for precise nail placement.
• Nail gun firing system is adjustable for every intersection. 
• 2 rows of nails is standard, but can be switched to one row with the flip of a switch.
• Build flush and wing pallet mats.
• 3 nail gun mounts that work with N70PAL or N58PAL model nail guns.
•  Simple and easy-to-use controls that are ergonomically placed for operator efficiency.
• Quick changeover parts, with tool-less options wherever possible.
• Cost-effective parts and components that are in stock in Ohio.
• Rugged steel parts, most of which are made in the USA, that are built to handle the day-to-day rigors of the pallet industry. 
• Pallet stacker with an electronic pallet counter.
• 10 ft. rollout conveyor for completed stacks.
• Full machine lubrication system, and a nail gun lubrication system.
• Mat takeout automatically ejects mats to the optional stacker. 
• Shifting jig provides 2 rows of nails in each intersection.
• No expensive and time-consuming maintenance routines.
• Simple electronic logic that is durable, safe, easy to diagnose, and reliable.
• Industry-leading support ready to assist you whenever you need it.
• American-made. American durability. American ingenuity.

Production Expectations & Operators:

• Production varies with pallet configuration, operator work ethic, and lumber quality.
• 1 operator required. 
• Mats with 2 rows of nails can be built at a rate of one mat every 45 to 60 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 15 SECONDS.
• Mats with 1 row of nails can be built at a rate of one mat every 30 to 45 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 10 SECONDS. 
• Actual cycle times are based on the press of the start switch until the time the finished mat is removed from the jig by the machine. 
• Please contact us to learn more about production speeds for your pallet sizes. You’ll be surprised at what’s possible.

Lumber Types:

• The Little Buddy is flexible and works well with many types of lumber. 
•  Softwoods & Hardwoods.
• #1 and #2 grade lumber.
• Reclaimed lumber is possible, but not recommended. The lumber would have to be well-sorted before being presented to the operators. 

Nails and Nail Guns:

• All of our nailing machines utilize pneumatic nail guns and 15-degree high-load/large coil nails. 
• The Little Buddy requires CLINCH NAILS. If you are unfamiliar with clinch nails, please contact us to discuss. 
• Typical nail sizes range from 1-1/4″ to 2″, and diameters between .086 to .090, application-dependent. 
• The Little Buddy is designed to accommodate different nail gun models and nail sizes. 
• If you have experience with bulk nails and hydraulic nailing systems, but not with pneumatic nail guns and coil nails, please contact us to learn more. 

Custom Sizes and Solutions:

• We can modify the Little Buddy to build different specifications.
• Our standard machines are capable of building several different specifications out of the gate.  

Block Pallet Buddy nailing machines are not affiliated with any other machine manufacturers or their representatives. All machines are designed and manufactured by Millcreek Machine in Ohio. 

Know where your machine is coming from. Ask before you buy.