Stacker cranes - purpose and features

Warehouse stacker cranes are a device that makes the most efficient use of storage space, offers extensive possibilities for mechanising and automating storage, order picking and transport, and reduces the number of workers involved. They are mainly used in large warehouses. They are machines specially designed for the automatic lifting and stacking of loads on racks. The task of the stacker crane is therefore to lift and transport them to other locations defined by the system. In accordance with the Ordinance of the Council of Ministers of 7 December on the types of technical equipment subject to technical supervision (Journal of Laws no. 0 item ), issued on the basis of Article 5(2) of the Act on Technical Supervision and the Ordinance of the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Technology of 30 October on the technical conditions for technical supervision in the operation, repair and modernisation of materials handling equipment (Journal of Laws. item ) all storage cranes are subject to technical supervision.

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Design

The design of a stacker crane can vary depending on the application, the type of product and the room in which it is installed. Despite the possible differences, most are structurally similar. Their common features are:

• Movement mechanism;
• Cargo trolley;
• Rotating platform;
• Column;
• Gripping mechanism.

To ensure the safety of workers and protect the equipment from possible overloading, each stacker crane is equipped with:

• Emergency brake;
• Speed limiter;
• Emergency switch;
• Rope tension monitoring device.

Stacker cranes with cabs are additionally equipped with safety belts, cab locks and operator presence detection devices.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the warehouse stacker cranes are: a significant increase in productivity; the possibility of working in an automatic cycle; high safety; the structure is robust and resistant to environmental influences and temperature variations; the use of a minimum aisle width, which allows the maximum number of racks to fit in the room; the system is very efficient, and can operate 24 hours a day and all days of the week. Warehouse stacker cranes also have disadvantages. One of them is the initial investment; automating the warehouse at the outset requires an input of greater costs. Also, to obtain maximum efficiency it is necessary to install several stacker cranes, one may not be enough.

Types

Based on the type of construction, we can distinguish two types of stacker cranes:

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• Pole - has a load-bearing structure in the form of a drive-through pole;
• Frame - has a load-bearing structure in the form of a drive-through door.

Based on the number of columns, we can divide them into:

• Single-column stacker cranes - designed to handle both containers and pallets; ideal for warehouses handling lighter loads;
• Twin-column stacker cranes - have two vertical columns between which a lifting trolley moves to provide access to different levels of storage; they are more reliable and stable; they are ideal for handling heavy loads; a feature is their high capacity.

Based on the type of work, three types can be distinguished:

• Automated - this type of stacker crane is the most common and popular choice; all the commands, directed by the management system, are taken by means of a microprocessor;
• Semi-automatic - in this case the stacker crane is controlled by a computer, the operator enters specific coordinates;
• Manual - the stacker crane is controlled from the cab and uses manual mechanisms; it is used for repair or maintenance work.

Testing of the storage stacker crane

All technical equipment should be systematically tested. These take place with the operator or his authorised representative and the maintenance person. During operation, equipment shall be subjected to such tests as:

In the realm of automated cold storage, two primary systems dominate: the four-way shuttle warehouse and the stacker crane warehouse. Each system has its own unique advantages and applications. Let's dive into their differences, strengths, and weaknesses.

Stacker Crane Warehouse

The stacker crane warehouse has been a staple in automated cold storage for decades. As the most conventional and mature system, it encompasses a wide range of equipment types. With its high stability and proven track record, stacker cranes are the go-to choice for over 80% of automated cold storage facilities in the cold chain industry.

Advantages:
·High Stability: 
Stacker crane systems offer exceptional stability, ensuring consistent performance over long-term operation.
·Proven Experience: 
With years of application in cold storage, stacker cranes have accumulated extensive experience and successful case studies.
·Flexible Height: 
The base height of stacker cranes can reach up to 24 meters, with maximum heights exceeding 40 meters, making them ideal for rectangular warehouse spaces.
·Adjustable Investment: 
Stacker crane systems allow for flexible investment through the use of dual-track shifting stacker cranes, providing adaptability to different storage needs.


Disadvantages:
·High Initial Investment: 
The construction and installation of stacker crane systems require significant upfront costs due to the extensive equipment involved.
·Strict Space Requirements: 
Stacker crane systems demand specific warehouse shapes and structures, best suited for rectangular spaces.

Four-Way Shuttle Warehouse

The four-way shuttle warehouse is a relatively newer technology that offers multi-depth layouts, significantly improving overall space utilization. It's particularly suited for B2B storage of goods with fewer SKUs but in large quantities, such as grains, oil, water, and frozen foods.

Advantages:
·High Space Utilization:
 Four-way shuttles enable multi-depth storage, maximizing warehouse space efficiency.
·Flexible Expansion: 
This system is highly scalable, allowing for increased efficiency by adding more lifts and shuttles, and optimizing software algorithms.
·Adaptability to Irregular Spaces: 
Four-way shuttles are ideal for warehouses with lower heights and irregularly shaped spaces.
·Future-Oriented: 
As technology advances, four-way shuttles are poised to become the mainstream solution for cold storage facilities.


Disadvantages:
·Stability Still to be Proven: 
The stability and durability of four-way shuttles in cold storage environments require further validation, with relatively higher failure rates in some cases.
·Battery and Moisture Issues: 
Key considerations include shuttle battery life, electrical moisture protection, and ground settlement challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, the stacker crane warehouse stands out for its high stability and mature application, making it suitable for rectangular warehouse spaces with higher height requirements. On the other hand, the four-way shuttle warehouse excels in space utilization and scalability, making it ideal for lower-height and irregularly shaped warehouses, especially for storing large quantities of goods with fewer SKUs.

When choosing the best automated cold storage system for your business, it's essential to consider your specific warehouse conditions and storage needs to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.


No matter what challenges your warehouse faces, Dongjian Racking is here to provide customized solutions. Whether you need the stability of a stacker crane or the flexibility of a four-way shuttle, every choice is backed by Dongjian’s expertise and commitment. Let Dongjian Racking be your trusted partner in warehouse management, guiding you towards a more efficient future!