Glossary · Packaging and intralogistics
Stacker crane
Also known as: Storage and retrieval machine (SRM), S/R machine
German: Regalbediengerät
In intralogistics, a stacker crane is a rail-guided storage and retrieval machine with a mast and a lifting carriage that travels along a rack aisle and stores and retrieves loads at any rack position.
- Intralogistics
- Standards
In one sentence
A stacker crane is a rail-guided machine that travels along a rack aisle and stores and retrieves loads at any rack position.
Example
The stacker crane picks a pallet from the drop-off point, travels 80 meters down the aisle and places it in a slot 25 meters high.
How it applies
- Engineering: A stacker crane combines travel, lift and load-handling axes, often with positioning by laser distance measurement or barcode. EN 528 specifies safety requirements for rail-dependent storage and retrieval equipment.
- Safety: Hazards include being struck by the moving crane in the aisle, falling loads and falls from height during maintenance. Access to the aisle is typically interlocked, and rescue of persons from the crane's cabin or maintenance platform needs a planned procedure.
- Maintenance: Rails, wheels, ropes or belts, and load handling devices are inspected at defined intervals.
- Documentation: Provide the access and lockout procedure for the aisle, the rescue procedure, inspection intervals and limits (for example rope wear). Keep aisle and crane IDs consistent across HMI, manual and signs.
Stacker crane vs. shuttle
A stacker crane serves all levels of one aisle. A Shuttle system uses vehicles per level and separate lifts.