Pallets have been an integral part of logistics for over 50 years, and they are the most commonly used load carrier in high rise storage facilities. MIAS has worked to ensure the reliable storage and retrieval of pallets in automated systems for decades now. Your required throughput determines the dynamics of the stacker crane, and therefore which specific load handling attachment from our diverse range needs to be used. Whatever your requirements – one or two load handling attachments, single or double-deep, with additional conveyor and inclination unit – the design is determined by you!
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
The new PAL 23 is designed for heights between 23 m and 30 m and reaches speeds of up to 240 m/min during travel and 120 m/min during lifting.
Due to a weight reduction of up to 20 percent compared to the current series and a tapered mast design, PAL 23 scores particularly well in terms of resource efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
A new type of rope drive with a large deflection pulley extends the service life of the components, reducing maintenance requirements. The bolted guide rail facilitates replacement and the pretensioned guide roller enables easy and precise adjustment, which has a positive effect on running.
The new development is designed for payloads of up to 1,500 kg for single-depth applications and 1,250 kg for double-depth applications.
The acceleration values are between 0.5 m/s² and 1 m/s².
After the introduction of the PAL 23 units, the series will be successively extended to all configurations from 10 m to 45 m.
MIAS has led the field for decades and is a constant in the industry. There are scarcely any pallet applications that have not been moved by MIAS stacker cranes. Our load handling attachments from our own production lines achieve perfect harmony in combination with our fully in-house produced stacker cranes.
Having access to this one-stop shop gives you a massive advantage in expertise.
Whether you need single-mast devices with two load handling attachments for double-deep loading or with gear drive, triple-deep storage using telescopic forks or multiple-depth storage with a shuttle - MIAS is the right partner for your project.
The gear drive is used for pallet stacker cranes that need to be high-powered over short distances. Extreme acceleration and braking combined with precise positioning are the strengths of the Turbo stacker crane.
Higher throughput thanks to acceleration of up to 3m/s2 and enhanced operational reliability with positive-locking power transmission. This technology also causes wheels and rails to wear less quickly, increasing their service life.
MIAS has been helping its customers out with its single-mast device with two load handling attachments since . The single-mast unit has an almost unbeatable price/performance ratio, especially at heights of over 20 m. Each load handling attachment of the device can store and retrieve up to 1,200 kg, and its parallel method of operation puts it far ahead of conventional units.
MIAS is your expert for stacker cranes for frozen and refrigerated products. In recent years, MIAS has installed over 100 devices in environments with temperatures from -30°C to +5°C – including in Europe’s largest cold storage facility (40 m high).
The parts under the highest stress are manufactured from special steel that boasts a long service life even in the most extreme conditions. The compact design enables optimum approach dimensions and maximizes use of the available space. Specially insulated and heated control cabinets are used in the device, to prevent condensation inside the housing and ensure optimum availability.
Do you have any questions about our pallet stacker cranes? Do you have any questions about the technology, delivery times, and special performance requirements?
Just give us a call or send an .
For everything to do with the pallet stacker cranes:
Head of Business Unit & Head of Technical Sales:
Martin Lindner
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Table of Contents
As small and medium-sized warehouses increasingly prioritize efficiency and space utilization, selecting the right warehouse crane system has become essential for optimizing warehouse operations. This article highlights four mainstream crane solutions, each supported by real-world case studies, to illustrate their adaptability and advantages in various scenarios. Whether enhancing automation or improving handling flexibility, these solutions offer practical support for modern warehousing needs. The article serves as a valuable reference for decision-makers seeking efficient, safe, and intelligent equipment choices.
The bridge-type stacker crane is one of the earliest forms of automated stacking equipment. Structurally similar to an overhead crane, it is typically installed on fixed rails at the top of a warehouse and can span multiple aisles to perform storage and retrieval operations. It is well-suited for medium-height warehouses (around 12 meters) and is particularly ideal for scenarios with low inbound/outbound frequency, large-sized goods, or limited transport paths.
To enhance connectivity in steel industry logistics, an intelligent logistics system was built centered around an automated high-rise warehouse for oriented silicon steel coils. This smart warehouse serves as an automated storage facility specifically designed for steel coils.
Within a 1,000-square-meter space, steel coils are stacked in seven vertical layers using racking systems. A bridge-type stacker crane enables automated inbound, outbound, relocation, and storage of up to 4,000 coils. As a result, the client achieved a 350% increase in space utilization and 3.5 times the original storage capacity.
Key Features:
This intelligent high-rise warehouse provides comprehensive support for the circulation of finished steel products. It realizes vertical space optimization, automated storage and retrieval, and simplified operations—delivering a new level of smart logistics for the steel industry.
The aisle-type stacker crane is an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) evolved from traditional forklifts and bridge-type stackers. It is primarily used for accessing goods in high-rack warehouses. By performing horizontal movement, vertical lifting, and fork extension actions, it enables precise transfer between storage locations and aisle entry points. It is particularly suited for automated warehouses where high space utilization is required and inbound/outbound frequency is moderate.
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As one of the most widely used automation solutions in modern high-bay warehouses, the SRM is typically installed within rack aisles, operating along fixed rails for vertical and horizontal movement. With its lightweight structure, high precision, and fast response, it finds extensive application in industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, cold chain logistics, and manufacturing—especially where speed and accuracy are critical.
Electrical control options include manual, semi-automatic, stand-alone automatic, and full computer control. Structurally, SRMs can be categorized into single-mast and double-mast models.
A high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of electrical connectors and electromechanical products, with thousands of precision components in its catalog, implemented a smart warehousing and logistics system to support the expansion of its intelligent factory. The goal was to establish a fully automated, closed-loop process from order receipt to warehouse operations—achieving high-density storage and efficient picking for nearly 10,000 SKUs of precision materials.
This project integrated a customized dual-system solution: a pallet-based stacker crane AS/RS combined with a bin-based four-directional shuttle AS/RS. The system includes pallet SRMs, 4-way bin shuttles (operating within a 51-level high-density racking system), RGVs, layer-changing/high-speed elevators, conveyors, warehouse racking, electrical control systems, and a WMS/WCS software platform.
Key Features:
In small and medium-sized warehouses, overhead cranes primarily serve the purpose of efficient material handling and aerial transportation. By installing rails above the warehouse space, they allow for linear or area-wide hoisting without occupying floor space. This significantly improves space utilization, cargo flow speed, and loading/unloading efficiency.
A company in Shandong built China's first unmanned cold storage intelligent warehousing system for agricultural use, located in the “Garlic to the World” industrial park. The project utilizes specialized 8+8 ton intelligent overhead cranes, achieving full automation, digitalization, and high-density storage—greatly enhancing operational efficiency and land-use effectiveness for cold storage facilities.
Advantages of Overhead Cranes in Garlic Storage:
Performance Outcomes in Garlic Warehousing:
In small and medium-sized warehouses or work areas, light-duty gantry cranes (also known as portable or mobile gantry cranes) are widely used. Unlike fixed-track systems, these cranes require no permanent installation and can be flexibly deployed as needed. They are particularly well-suited for small warehouses, temporary lifting tasks, and low-frequency operations.
With easy mobility and quick deployment, mobile gantry cranes respond efficiently to on-site material handling needs—without altering existing warehouse layouts or processes—helping businesses improve operational flexibility and resource utilization.
Mr. Mohamed from Senegal operates a business specializing in glass products. His typical operation involves unloading 3-ton glass crates from containers parked outside the warehouse and moving them indoors. However, two key challenges complicated the process:
To meet these needs, DGCRANE custom-built a 5-ton electric mobile gantry crane for the client. The crane is equipped with omnidirectional wheels and an electric drive system, allowing smooth movement and turning. It uses an electric chain hoist for lifting, ensuring stable and efficient performance.
Key Feature – Electrically Adjustable Height:
The crane lifts the glass crates outdoors, lowers its height to pass through the warehouse entrance, then raises the load again for indoor stacking—achieving a complete outdoor-to-indoor handling process.
Choosing the right crane system is crucial for maximizing warehouse efficiency, space utilization, and operational flexibility. This section compares four major crane solutions—Bridge-type Stacker Crane, Unit Load Stacker Crane (SRM), Warehouse Overhead Crane, and Warehouse Gantry Crane—across key dimensions such as structure, application scenarios, automation potential, and cost.
Each solution has distinct strengths:
If you need a high-density, multi-aisle, and complex-task automated storage system → Bridge-type Stacker Crane is recommended.
For efficient single-aisle operations in a traditional high-bay warehouse → SRM (Unit Load Stacker Crane) is the top choice.
If your warehouse has a regular layout, high lifting frequency, and heavy loads → Warehouse Overhead Crane is a suitable option.
For flexible deployment, multi-station coverage, and temporary handling needs → Warehouse Gantry Crane is the preferred solution.
By evaluating your warehouse’s operational needs, spatial constraints, budget, and desired automation level, you can identify the crane type that offers the best balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.
This page has provided a comprehensive comparison of four warehouse crane solutions tailored to the diverse needs of small and medium-sized warehouses. By examining structural features, application scenarios, efficiency, and cost, you now have a clear framework to evaluate which type best fits your operational priorities.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or planning a new one, aligning the right crane system with your workflow can significantly enhance warehouse performance. Use this guide as a practical reference to support smarter investment decisions and build a more agile, efficient, and future-ready storage environment.
Are you interested in learning more about stacker cranes for pallets? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!