Stacker Cranes

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Maximize warehouse space, automate pallet handling, and improve inventory control with stacker crane systems designed for high-density storage and retrieval. Stacker cranes are automated storage and retrieval machines that move pallets efficiently within rack-supported storage systems, allowing warehouses to take advantage of vertical space while reducing manual material handling.

Atlantic Rack provides automated warehouse solutions tailored to your facility, helping you integrate stacker cranes with pallet racking, conveyors, warehouse management systems, and other automation technologies.

Advantages of Stacker Cranes:

Maximize Warehouse Space
Increase Storage Capacity
Automate Pallet Handling
Improve Inventory Accuracy
Reduce Forklift Traffic
Improve Operational Safety
Faster Storage & Retrieval
Optimize Labor & Improve Material Flow
24/7 Operation
Consistent Performance
Better Vertical Utilization
Scalable Automation
Improve Warehouse Organization
Reduce Product Handling

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How Stacker Cranes Work

Stacker cranes are automated machines designed to store and retrieve pallets within high-density racking systems. The crane travels along a dedicated aisle, moving horizontally and vertically to reach specific storage locations. When a pallet arrives at the system, the crane receives instructions from the warehouse control system, picks up the load, and transports it to its assigned rack position.

When inventory is needed, the system identifies the pallet’s location and directs the crane to retrieve it automatically. The crane moves to the designated position, collects the pallet, and delivers it to a conveyor or output station for the next stage of the operation. By coordinating storage, retrieval, and inventory information, stacker cranes help create a faster, more organized, and efficient automated warehouse.

What is a Stacker Crane?

A stacker crane is an automated storage and retrieval machine used to store and retrieve pallets within high-density racking systems.

The crane travels along a dedicated storage aisle, moving horizontally and vertically to position loads at designated rack locations. Automated controls direct the crane to retrieve or store pallets based on inventory requirements.

By combining vertical movement, automated positioning, and high-density racking, stacker cranes can help warehouses make better use of available floor space and building height.

Turn Vertical Space Into Storage Capacity

Traditional warehouses often dedicate significant floor area to forklift aisles and manual material handling. Stacker crane systems provide an alternative by automating pallet movement within dedicated storage aisles.

A typical system combines:

Automated stacker cranes
High-density pallet racking
Pallet conveyors
Input and output stations
Warehouse control systems
Warehouse management software
Sensors and safety systems

Together, these components create a coordinated automated storage and retrieval process.

Is a Stacker Crane Right for Your Warehouse?

A stacker crane system may be worth considering when your operation has:

High pallet volumes
Limited warehouse floor space
Significant vertical space
Repetitive storage and retrieval operations
High forklift traffic
Increasing labor requirements
A need for greater inventory control
High-density storage requirements
Consistent pallet dimensions
A long-term warehouse automation strategy

Before implementing automation, factors such as pallet dimensions, load weights, SKU characteristics, throughput, storage capacity, building height, aisle configuration, temperature, fire protection, and software integration should be evaluated.