stacker crane

A crane with a forklift type mechanism used in automated (computer controlled) warehouses (known as an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS)). The crane moves on a track in an aisle of the warehouse. The fork can be raised or lowered to any of the levels of a storage rack and can be extended into the rack to store and retrieve product. The product can in some cases be as large as an automobile. Stacker cranes are often used in the large freezer warehouses of frozen food manufacturers. This automation avoids requiring forklift drivers to work in below freezing temperatures every day.

Similar to a bridge crane except that, instead of a hoist, it uses a mast with forks or a platform to handle unit loads . Considered "fork trucks on a rail"

Used for storing and retrieving unit loads in storage racks, especially in high-rise applications in which the racks are more than 50 feet high . Can be controlled remotely or by an operator in a cab on the mastCan be rack supported.

Stacker cranes can be used for a variety of other lifting and position tasks such as loading small bins or tubs on and off of shelves in a storage area, for handling small pallets or other payloads. Custom designed tooling can adapt the stacker crane to a wide range of applications.

Stacker crane in ASRS:

Installs stacker cranes to be used in the automated storage and retrieval systems. The stacker crane can be used to store and handle large units that a forklift would not have been able to do so. It is integrated into the automated storage rack for easy and fast handling Employees would not have to wait for a forklift to be accessible. It will only take minutes for the stacker crane to retrieve items. The stacker crane will increase material productivity and reduce any needed floor space.

Stacker Cranes provide solutions to several industrial applications while providing an easier, faster, and safer process. These systems are often used in applications where fork trucks can not easily maneuver, where precise control of the load is needed, and/or for articulated product handling associated with machining centers, furnace applications, etc.

Key Benefits:

maybe able to handle deep load handling devices
High reliability of operation
Ease of maintenance and service
Simple installation
Extremely lightweight design
Fast operation

Applications include:

WIP or maintenance areas
Tooling & fixture storage
Die & mold storage
Drum & barrel storage
Motor & pump storage
Roll handling
Pipe, sheet metal, bar stock, etc.
Automotive or aircraft parts
...and many more