In brief
A reach stacker is a self-propelled handling vehicle used for lifting, transporting, and stacking containers. It picks up the container using a spreader attached to the top corner castings. Thanks to its extendable telescopic boom, it can reach containers that are not directly in front of the vehicle.
The telescopic boom is typically equipped with an adjustable spreader. This is lowered onto the container and secured to the top corner castings using twistlocks. The reach stacker can then lift the container, transport it over short distances, and place it onto a vehicle, railcar, or container storage area.
Many spreaders can be adjusted to accommodate different container lengths. The specific sizes and types of containers that can be handled depend on the configuration of the individual reach stacker.
The name combines "reach" with "stacker." It describes the vehicle's ability to use its boom to reach beyond the first row of containers and move those in the rows behind.
In German, the compound form "Reachstacker" is predominantly used. In English, the spelling "reach stacker" is also common.
Reach stackers are used wherever containers need to be moved flexibly within a limited space. Typical locations include:
They can transfer containers between storage areas, trucks, and railcars. Some machines can also be fitted with special attachments to handle other types of heavy loads.
Reach stackers for container handling are generally designed for standard ISO containers. Depending on the vehicle and spreader, this includes 20, 40, and 45-foot containers, for example.
Whether a specific container can be picked up safely depends on factors including:
The machine's load chart is the deciding factor. The maximum load capacity does not automatically apply to every reach and stacking position.
A spreader is the load-handling attachment between the reach stacker and the container. Its twistlocks engage with and lock into the container's top corner castings.
Telescopic spreaders can be adjusted to different container lengths. Depending on the model, additional functions such as side shifting, rotating, or tilting the picked-up container are possible.
The term "container handler" is often used as a general term for various types of handling equipment. Technically, however, the machines differ in their design.
A reach stacker features an angled telescopic boom, allowing it to reach containers in multiple rows. Other container handlers, for example, operate with a largely vertical mast and are primarily designed for containers in the front row.
A classic forklift should also not be equated with a reach stacker. It typically picks up loads from underneath using forks, whereas a reach stacker usually lifts ISO containers from above using a spreader.
A straddle carrier drives over a container with its high frame and lifts it within the vehicle. It can transport containers and, depending on the model, stack them.
In contrast, a reach stacker picks up the container in front of the vehicle using an extendable boom. This requires a different driving and maneuvering area. Which piece of equipment is more suitable depends on factors such as the size of the terminal, the layout of the container blocks, and the required handling capacity.
The load capacity of a reach stacker depends on the model and the specific application. Manufacturers offer machines for loaded containers as well as specialized versions for heavy industrial loads.
When the boom is extended or when accessing containers further back, the available load capacity is typically lower than in the first row. Therefore, the decisive factor is not just the container weight, but always the combination of weight, outreach, lifting height, and position.
Reach stackers must only be operated within their specified load capacities and operational limits. Before lifting, factors such as the correct locking of the spreader, the weight of the load, and the planned working position must be taken into account.
The ground surface is also critical: the high total weight and the dynamic forces during driving and braking require a sufficiently load-bearing and suitable surface. Operation, inspection, and maintenance must comply with the manufacturer's specifications as well as local occupational health and safety regulations.
A reach stacker is a heavy-duty handling vehicle that lifts containers using a telescopic boom and a spreader. It can transport and stack containers, as well as load them onto trucks or railcars.
Reach stackers designed for this purpose can move loaded containers. Whether a specific container can be lifted depends on its total weight and the machine's load chart. The permissible load capacity may decrease as the outreach increases.
Yes. The telescopic boom allows for access beyond the front row. The number of rows and stacking heights that can be reached depends on the machine model, the container weight, and the layout of the storage area.
In standard container handling, the spreader locks into the top corner fittings of the container. These corner fittings are also commonly referred to as corner castings.
While a reach stacker performs lifting tasks, it is not a stationary harbor crane. It is a mobile handling vehicle with a telescopic boom capable of transporting containers over short distances within the facility.