Gilgen Logistics’s New PERFORMANCE Stacker Crane

Gilgen Logistics presenting its latest generation of stacker cranes for pallets and containers. These are faster, more space-saving, safer, more sustainable and more economical. The first of these units have already been put into operation at customer facilities.

Stacker cranes are the key component of high-bay facilities and therefore crucial to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of any logistics solution. At LogiMat, the industry’s most important trade fair, Gilgen Logistics will be presenting its new generation of stacker cranes for high-bay storage facilities. These units are tailored to customer needs in terms of space utilization, throughput, safety, operation, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. “Our teams’ wealth of experience and development expertise goes into these devices. We are very proud of this innovation,” said Daniel Gilgen, CEO of this Swiss family-owned company.

“The significantly higher level of performance provided by our equipment means that in many cases we can rely on single-mast units with one load-handling device, whereas our competitors install a much heavier double-mast version with two load-handling devices. We therefore require less steel for the same performance, resulting in a positive impact for customers in terms of price,” Thomas Riffert, head of stacker crane development at Gilgen Logistics, added.

A form-fitting travel drive at the top and bottom significantly reduces mast vibrations, prevents the drive wheels from slipping, and enables maximum acceleration and speed rates. This latest generation thus boasts twice the acceleration rate of its predecessor. On top of that, Performance units also offer much more than just high throughput. Advantageous stop clearances, a slim mast design and the absence of hydraulic buffers all go to increase storage capacity. Michael Hediger, head of the Systems division, commented about this, saying: “We offer our customers optimum use of space owing to a compact design. This technology allows us to build mini-load stacker cranes up to a height of 25 meters and pallet stacker cranes up to a height of 45 meters – convincing advantages compared to other solutions on the market.”

Thanks to separate braking systems at the top and bottom as well as a new electrical monitoring and release system for the gripping device in the hoist, these new stacker cranes also significantly increase safety for maintenance and operating personnel. Triggering of the gripping device sets to various nominal velocities depending on the operating mode.

Significantly reduced in weight, the unit allows usage of smaller drives and frequency inverters. An intermediate circuit coupling uses released braking energy for acceleration processes, making operation even more energy-efficient.

Further advantages result from the unit’s consistent design extending from the mini-load stacker crane to the pallet stacker crane. Wherever possible, the design and individual components are identical. This simplifies spare parts management as well as training for customers’ employees.

Other advanteages:        
- Weight reduction: up to 25 %        
- Increased performance: up to 20 %        
- Smaller stop clearances: up to 25 %        
- Innovative load-handling device: more space-saving and faster