Stacker Crane
Stacker Crane is an automated material handling machine used to store and retrieve pallets, cartons, bins, and other standardized load units in high-bay warehouse storage systems. As one of the core pieces of equipment in an AS/RS warehouse, the stacker crane travels along dedicated aisles and uses a lifting mechanism to place or retrieve goods from rack locations at different heights.
Unlike conventional forklift-based warehouse operations, a Stacker Crane enables automated storage and retrieval within narrow aisles and high-bay rack structures. This allows warehouses to make better use of vertical space while reducing manual pallet handling and improving inventory location accuracy.
Stacker cranes are commonly used in pallet AS/RS systems, automated distribution centers, manufacturing plants, cold storage warehouses, pharmaceutical facilities, and other high-density warehouses requiring reliable and repeatable material handling.
As a professional warehouse racking manufacturer in China, Ouglon provides Stacker Crane-compatible rack structures and customized AS/RS storage solutions based on warehouse height, pallet specifications, load requirements, throughput, and automation objectives.
Configuration & Flexibility
Our Stacker Crane systems are designed to operate together with high-bay pallet racking and automated warehouse control systems. The crane runs along a dedicated floor rail and guide system, allowing horizontal movement through the storage aisle while the lifting mechanism positions the load at the required storage level.
Different stacker crane configurations can be selected according to warehouse height, aisle length, pallet load, storage capacity, and required throughput. Single-mast and double-mast designs are available for different load and height requirements.
The load-handling device can be configured according to the type of goods being stored, including pallet forks, telescopic forks, clamps, or other customized load handling solutions.
The system can be integrated with conveyors, pallet transfer equipment, lifts, barcode or RFID systems, WMS, WCS, and other warehouse automation equipment to create a complete automated storage and retrieval system.
For temperature-controlled warehouses, suitable components and configurations can be selected according to the operating environment.
Key Benefits
Automated pallet storage and retrieval
Suitable for high-bay warehouse applications
Better use of vertical storage space
Narrow-aisle operation for higher storage density
Accurate and repeatable pallet handling
Reduced forklift dependency
Improved warehouse inventory visibility
Suitable for high-volume storage operations
Compatible with WMS and WCS integration
Suitable for automated and temperature-controlled warehouses
Stacker Crane Specifications
Load Capacity
Typical Stacker Crane systems can handle pallet loads ranging from 500 kg to 2,000 kg or more, depending on crane configuration, load handling equipment, rack height, pallet dimensions, and project requirements.
Heavy-duty customized stacker cranes are available for higher load applications.
Operating Height
Stacker cranes can be designed for high-bay warehouses with operating heights of approximately 6,000 mm to more than 40,000 mm, depending on warehouse structure, crane configuration, fire protection requirements, and storage capacity.
Aisle Length
The crane travel distance is customized according to rack aisle length and warehouse layout. Single-aisle and multi-aisle AS/RS configurations can be designed according to project requirements.
Lifting Speed
Lifting and travel speeds are selected according to the crane model, load characteristics, warehouse height, required throughput, and operational requirements.
Travel System
The stacker crane uses a floor rail and guide system for horizontal movement along the storage aisle.
Travel configuration can be customized according to aisle length, warehouse structure, and required operating performance.
Load Handling Device
Available load handling configurations include:
Single-Deep Fork
Double-Deep Telescopic Fork
Single-Lane Fork
Customized Load Handling Device
The handling device is selected according to pallet size, load dimensions, and storage depth.
Material
High-strength structural steel is used for the crane mast, frame, support components, and load-bearing structures to provide reliable performance during repeated vertical and horizontal movement.
Q235B and Q355 steel grades are available according to structural load and project requirements.
Surface Finish
Durable industrial powder coating is commonly used for stacker crane structural components and indoor warehouse applications.
Customized corrosion-resistant finishes are available for cold storage, humid environments, and other specific operating conditions.
Configuration Options
Single-Mast Stacker Crane
Double-Mast Stacker Crane
Pallet Stacker Crane
Unit-Load AS/RS Stacker Crane
Double-Deep Stacker Crane
High-Bay Stacker Crane
Cold Storage Stacker Crane
Single-Aisle AS/RS Crane
Customized Automated Storage Crane
Storage & Handling
Supports:
Pallet Racking Storage
Stackable Floor Storage
Automated Storage
Heavy Load Handling
Bulk Storage
Warehouse Transportation
Production Line Material Handling
Compatibility
Compatible with:
Pallet AS/RS systems
High-bay pallet racking
Automated conveyors
Pallet transfer equipment
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
Barcode systems
RFID systems
Warehouse lifts
Automated material handling systems
Inventory Management
Supports:
FIFO (First-In, First-Out)
LIFO (Last-In, First-Out)
Automatic Storage Location Management
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Batch Management
Pallet Location Management
Automation Compatibility
Stacker Cranes are one of the core components of automated storage and retrieval systems and can be integrated with warehouse software and material handling equipment.
Compatible with:
WMS
WCS
WES
Automated Conveyors
Pallet Transfer Systems
Barcode Identification
RFID Systems
Warehouse Monitoring Systems
Automated Picking and Dispatch Systems
Safety Features
Stacker Crane systems can be equipped with multiple safety functions according to project requirements.
Available features include:
Emergency Stop Systems
Position Detection
Travel Limit Protection
Lifting Limit Protection
Overload Protection
Obstacle Detection
Safety Fences
Access Doors
Safety Light Curtains
Rack-End Protection
Standards
Designed and manufactured according to applicable warehouse automation, material handling, structural, and industrial safety requirements.
The stacker crane and supporting rack system can be engineered according to project specifications and applicable FEM, EN, and regional safety requirements.
Technical documentation, structural drawings, and customized system specifications are available according to project requirements.
Common Applications
Automated Distribution Centers
Manufacturing Warehouses
Cold Storage Facilities
Food & Beverage Warehouses
Pharmaceutical Warehouses
Automotive Parts Warehouses
E-commerce Distribution Centers
3PL Logistics Warehouses
High-Bay Warehouses
Industrial Raw Material Storage
Stacker Crane – FAQ
What is a stacker crane used for?
A Stacker Crane is used to automatically store and retrieve pallets, cartons, bins, or other standardized loads in high-bay warehouse racking. It is commonly used as the main storage and retrieval machine in AS/RS systems.
How does a stacker crane work?
The crane travels along a dedicated aisle rail while its lifting mechanism moves vertically to the required storage level. The load-handling device then places or retrieves the pallet from the designated rack position before transporting it to the required transfer point.
How high can a stacker crane operate?
The operating height depends on the crane design, warehouse structure, rack configuration, and project requirements. High-bay stacker crane systems can be designed for warehouses exceeding 30 meters in height, with some projects reaching above 40 meters.
How much weight can a stacker crane handle?
Load capacity depends on crane configuration, mast structure, fork design, pallet size, and operating height. Typical pallet AS/RS systems handle approximately 500 kg to 2,000 kg or more per load, with customized heavy-duty systems available.
Can stacker cranes be used in cold storage warehouses?
Yes. Stacker cranes can be designed for refrigerated and frozen warehouses when suitable electrical, mechanical, lubrication, battery, sensor, and control components are selected for the required operating temperature.
Can a stacker crane work with WMS and WCS?
Yes. Stacker cranes can be integrated with WMS, WCS, WES, barcode, RFID, conveyors, pallet transfer equipment, and other warehouse automation systems to coordinate storage, retrieval, inventory location, and material flow.
What is the difference between a stacker crane and a forklift?
A forklift is manually operated and requires wider operating aisles, while a Stacker Crane operates automatically within a dedicated rack aisle and can reach significantly greater storage heights. This makes stacker cranes particularly suitable for high-density automated warehouses.
Can Ouglon manufacture rack structures for stacker cranes?
Yes. Ouglon manufactures high-bay pallet racking structures designed for AS/RS applications and can customize rack height, beam configuration, storage depth, aisle layout, and structural requirements according to the selected stacker crane system.
Why Choose Ouglon Stacker Crane
Ouglon specializes in manufacturing heavy-duty warehouse racking systems and automated storage infrastructure for global industrial applications.
As a professional warehouse racking manufacturer in China, we provide Stacker Crane-compatible rack structures and customized AS/RS solutions designed around warehouse dimensions, pallet specifications, storage capacity, required throughput, and automation requirements.
Our high-bay rack structures are manufactured using quality structural steel and controlled production processes to provide stable load-bearing performance and long service life. We can customize rack height, aisle configuration, beam layout, storage depth, pallet positions, and stacker crane-compatible structural arrangements.
We also provide OEM/ODM manufacturing, engineering support, warehouse layout planning, AS/RS rack manufacturing, technical coordination, and worldwide shipping.
Need a high-bay automated storage system? Contact our engineering team for a customized Stacker Crane AS/RS proposal.
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OUGLON is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the design, manufacturing, installation, and integration of intelligent warehouse storage and logistics systems. OUGLON provides customized storage solutions and automated warehouse systems for global customers across various industries.
CONTACT US
Mobile: +86 0712 2552 000
Phone: +86 159 2711 2720
Email: tina@ougulongrack.com
WhatsApp: +86 159 2711 2720
Address：Dongshantou Innovation Industrial Park, Xiaonan District, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
