Automated Trilateral Stacker Cranes
System designed to automate pallet storage quickly and simply. The perfect solution to replace trilateral forklifts.
The product
Ideal solution for easily automating a new or existing warehouse
Trilateral stacker cranes are the simplest, most cost-effective option for automating pallet storage and retrieval in warehouse racking. Unlike other stacker cranes, they can replace trilateral forklifts in an existing conventional storage system without requiring modifications to the warehouse’s design or racking.
These stacker cranes are equipped with a trilateral extraction system — trilateral meaning the forks can rotate 180° to access pallets from the front, left and right. The machines work autonomously, handling pallets in conventional racking up to 15 m high. Their implementation optimises warehouse performance, eliminates errors and improves safety.
Advantages of trilateral stacker cranes
- Great adaptability and easy implementation: trilateral stacker cranes are suitable for any facility with conventional pallet racking served by trilateral forklifts.
- Increased productivity: these machines operate 24/7 with combined cycle functionality for greater efficiency.
- Total automation: when integrated with a pallet conveyor system at the front of the racking, automatic stacking cranes enable completely automated load handling.
- Maximum space utilisation: unlike other stacker cranes, they operate from floor level and require no upper guide base, allowing full use of warehouse height.
- Error reduction: automated pallet storage and retrieval eliminate mistakes due to manual handling.
- Enhanced safety: replacing forklifts with stacker cranes significantly improves occupational safety.
- Comprehensive solution: Mecalux designs, manufactures, installs and commissions the stacker cranes in addition to the conveyor, warehouse management and warehouse control systems.
We’ve maximised both process efficiency and workplace safety in the warehouse
Applications of trilateral stacker cranes
Automated storage for warehouses up to 15 m high
Trilateral stacker cranes are the storage solution designed to quickly and cost-effectively automate a wide variety of conventional facilities.
Warehouses operating with trilateral forklifts
This is an ideal situation, as trilateral stacker cranes allow for the automation of facilities managed by trilateral forklifts without modifying the existing racking or aisle width.
Facilities with racking up to 15 m high
These machines adapt to the requirements of different types of newly built automated warehouses with racking up to 15 m in height.
Cold-storage warehouses
Automated stacking cranes operate within a temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C, making them apt for installation in facilities that run at positive cold temperatures.
How the automated trilateral stacker crane works
Solution that fully automates the storage and retrieval of palletised loads
Trilateral stacker cranes are designed to perform three different movements: longitudinal (to move along the aisle), vertical (to lift and lower goods) and depth, where the trilateral forks are inserted into the racking to deposit and remove pallets.
Pallet pick-up
The automated stacking crane’s extraction system collects the pallet at the end of the aisle, either from a conveyor or a pick-and-deposit (P&D) station.
Movement along the aisle
To transport the pallet to the slot assigned by the warehouse management system (WMS), the stacker crane moves along the storage aisle in a simultaneous travel (translational) and lifting motion.
Pallet storage
When the machine reaches the designated location, the trilateral forks insert the pallet into the racking and set it down.
Retrieval of another pallet
After storing the pallet, the stacker crane heads to another slot to remove a new pallet. This operation is known as a combined cycle.
Pallet exit
The stacker crane travels to the end of the aisle and places the retrieved pallet on the outgoing conveyor or a P&D station.
Testimonials
Case studies
IKEA Components automates its warehouse in Malacky without disrupting operations
IKEA Components, a company specialising in the packaging and delivery of furniture accessories and parts, has automated its warehouse in Malacky, Slovakia. Mecalux has installed trilateral stacker cranes and pallet conveyors in each the 12 aisles of its warehouse, in addition to Easy WMS. Read more
Disalfarm attains capacity, productivity and oversight with the automation in distinct phases of its traditional warehouse
Case study warehouse automation of Disalfarm in Barcelona (Spain), developed by Mecalux Read more
Industrias Yuk: centralised logistics, five installations in one with thousands of SKUs
Industrial transmission component manufacturer Industrias Yuk has built a 10,200 m² centre in Ribarroja, Spain, to centralise its logistics operations. It is made up of two automated warehouses managed by Easy WMS: one for boxes, with 12,920 locations, and another with a capacity of 15,246 pallets. Read more
The efficient simplicity of a sub-zero automated warehouse
Success story of La Anónima’s automated warehouse in Argentina with Warehouse Management Software developed by Mecalux Read more
Aromaty Fragrances updates its logistics with an automated warehouse
Aromaty Fragrances, a Brazilian manufacturer of fragrances for all kinds of brands, has equipped its raw material warehouse with a Mecalux automated warehouse. This centre supplies production with the articles it needs to create the perfumes. It has also installed the Easy WMS management system from Mecalux. Read more
The automated warehouse of SMA Magnetics connected to production
SMA Magnetics has automated it warehouse's operations in Zabierzów (Poland) by setting up trilateral stacker cranes. These machines a rotating head enabling it to pick-up and leave pallets in three positions: one frontal and two lateral. The warehouse is connected to the company's production area. Read more
Automatic trilateral stacker crane components
Automated trilateral stacker cranes are essentially made up of three main parts: a mast, an extraction system and a lower guide base. They are also equipped with an electrical system and motors. Unlike other stacker cranes, they have no upper guide base, simplifying installation in existing warehouses.
The mechanical components form the basic structure of the stacker crane. The mast enables vertical lifting, the lower guide base and rails ensure horizontal travel, and the forks handle the insertion and retrieval of pallets.
The stacker crane receives power from an on-board electrical cabinet. It is equipped with three motors, each corresponding to the machine’s movement: one for travel along the aisle, another for vertical lift and a third for pallet storage/retrieval.
Mast
The main vertical axis of the stacker crane, along which the extraction system moves to access the various racking positions.
Trilateral forks
An extraction system featuring a rotating head that enables pallet handling in three directions: one front-facing and two lateral positions.
Lower guide base
The base structure that supports the entire stacker crane. It is fitted with eight wheels that allow the unit to travel along the aisle.
Lower rails
A pair of parallel rails on which the wheels of the lower guide base run. Their installation does not require an extremely level floor.
Electric cabinet
Supplies the stacker crane with the electrical power required for operation.
Travel motor
Drives the movement of the lower guide base. The automatic trilateral stacker crane can reach a maximum travel speed of 100 m/min.
Lift motor
Moves the extraction system vertically along the mast until it reaches the assigned rack level.
Extraction motor
Operates the extraction system’s rotating head, enabling it to position itself in three directions: front, left and right.
FAQs
The automatic trilateral stacker crane is a storage solution designed to easily automate conventional racking up to 15 m high, typically operated by trilateral forklifts. This stacker crane’s fully automated operation streamlines pallet storage and retrieval, minimises errors and boosts warehouse productivity.
Like trilateral forklifts, trilateral stacker cranes are designed to operate in racking systems with very narrow aisles. The main difference lies in their fully autonomous operation: stacker cranes can completely automate pallet storage and retrieval. In other words, trilateral stacker cranes are an evolution of trilateral forklifts — a simple and cost-effective replacement that makes use of the same aisle width and existing racking.
The first key difference is the type of extraction system. Trilateral stacker cranes are equipped with trilateral forks mounted on a rotating head. This allows them to move in three directions to access pallets: left, right and front. In contrast, other stacker cranes typically use an extraction system comprising telescopic forks that operate in just two directions — left and right.
Another distinguishing feature is that trilateral stacker cranes do not require an upper guide rail or upper guide base. They can also store and retrieve pallets directly at floor level. Together, these characteristics make it possible to optimise available vertical space more effectively than other types of stacker cranes. However, trilateral stacker cranes are limited to a maximum height of 15 m. For taller automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs), Mecalux offers other pallet stacker crane models that can reach heights of up to 45 m.
Trilateral stacker cranes are compatible with conventional single-deep pallet racking up to 15 m high.
Not at all. This is the simplest type of stacker crane, specifically designed to automate conventional warehouses previously operated with trilateral forklifts. In fact, these stacking cranes can be implemented without altering the existing racking layout or aisle width.
No. Unlike trilateral forklifts, trilateral stacker cranes do not require a completely level floor. Any unevenness can easily be corrected by installing the lower rails along which the stacker crane travels.
Automated trilateral stacker cranes can handle pallets weighing up to 1,200 kg.
Trilateral stacker cranes are designed to work in very narrow aisles. The minimum clearance between unit loads stored on opposite sides of the aisle ranges from 1.76 to 1.86 m.
The automated trilateral stacker crane can reach a maximum travel speed of 100 m/min.
Trilateral stacker cranes achieve a maximum lift speed of 30 m/min for 1,200 kg pallets and 38 m/min for 1,000 kg pallets.
Trilateral stacker cranes can operate in temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 40 °C with up to 70% humidity.
Yes. The automated trilateral stacker crane operates with two types of software. A WMS (warehouse management system) assigns locations to each unit load, while a WCS (warehouse control system) sends movement instructions to the stacker crane. Mecalux can supply both software solutions.
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