Pallet Stacker Drive & Idler Wheels for Automated Warehouses

Pallet stacker cranes are automated material handling machines designed for storing and retrieving palletized goods in high - density automated warehouses. They work alongside Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and conveyor lines to form a seamless automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). These cranes can move horizontally along narrow aisles and vertically up tall racks (up to 45 meters high), maximizing vertical storage space while enabling 24/7 operation with millimetre level positioning accuracy. They are widely used in industries such as food, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, including extreme environments like cold storage (-30°C). The stacker crane wheels are the core of the crane’s movement and load - bearing system, determining operational stability, precision, and lifespan. Below is a detailed breakdown of their role, materials, and design, with a focus on wheel specific technologies:

Load Bearing: The wheel assembly, consisting of drive wheels (powered) and idler wheels (load-bearing/guiding), distributes the total weight of the crane and pallets. For example, wheels on double - mast cranes can handle over 5 tons, while those on single - mast models support up to 2 tons.

Guidance & Precision: Wheels work with guide rails to ensure straight - line travel, which is the foundation for the crane’s millimetre - level positioning accuracy during pallet storage/retrieval.

Efficiency & Durability: They reduce friction, enabling smooth starts/stops, cutting energy consumption by 15% - 20%, and minimizing wear on both the wheels and rails, thus extending the overall system’s lifespan.

PU is the most widely used material due to its low noise (≤65 dB), shock absorption, and reduced rail wear (extending rail life by 30%–50%).

In summary, while pallet stacker cranes optimize warehouse efficiency, their wheels are the unsung heroes ensuring reliable, long - term performance. Choosing the right wheel material and design is critical for maximizing uptime and ROI in automated storage systems.